UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-10395
Pioneer Series Trust VII
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
(Address of principal executive offices) (ZIP code)
Terrence J. Cullen, Amundi Asset Management, Inc.,
60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (617) 742-7825
Date of fiscal year end: October 31, 2023
Date of reporting period: November 1, 2022 through October 31, 2023
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. ss. 3507.
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
A: ACBAX | K: ACBKX | Y: CBYYX |
Q | How did the Fund perform during the abbreviated reporting period ended October 31, 2023? |
A | Pioneer CAT Bond Fund’s Class A shares returned 11.20% at net asset value (NAV) from the commencement of investment operations through October 31, 2023, while the Fund’s benchmark, the ICE Bank of America (ICE BofA) 3-month US Treasury Bill Index, returned 4.06% for the same abbreviated period. |
Q | How would you describe the Fund and your approach to managing the portfolio? |
A | In managing the Fund, we invest primarily in catastrophe (CAT) bonds, which are generally regarded as a more liquid subset of the insurance-linked securities (ILS) market, in order to provide a vehicle for investors seeking access to an asset class that has typically exhibited a low historic correlation with the performance of the broader financial markets. From a historical perspective, the low performance correlation of the asset class to the broader financial markets stems from the fact that the returns of CAT bonds are typically linked to non-financial events, such as earthquakes and hurricanes. We pursue an active approach to portfolio construction that allocates across various CAT bond segments through a due-diligence process as well as security-level analysis. |
We strive to track the broader CAT bond market by region and peril, and have focused on sponsor quality and deal structure, while seeking to limit adverse security selection. One of our key goals is to seek to balance the Fund's diversification*, liquidity, and risk layering by actively avoiding investments in what we |
* | Diversification does not assure a profit nor protect against loss. |
regard as the riskiest layers of the market, which can sometimes feature weak sponsors and poorly structured transactions. | |
Our goal is to have the Fund broadly reflect the risks and returns associated with investing in the broader CAT bond market, to collect sufficient premiums to offset what we view as a reasonable level of losses, and to deliver an attractive return for the Fund’s investors. | |
We typically have not invested the Fund in every deal; instead, we use a due-diligence process to evaluate each investment for what we deem to be the appropriate structure and potential alignment of interest between the Fund and the ceding insurer. Since Amundi US is not directly or indirectly owned or affiliated with a reinsurer, we believe this process may allow the Fund to avoid potential conflicts of interest. In addition, we believe our approach could help mitigate the Fund's exposure to the idiosyncratic risks associated with holding large positions with one reinsurer. We have remained focused on seeking to add value for the Fund’s shareholders through our security selection process, attention to sourcing investments that we believe offer attractive yields, and through management of the Fund’s risk profile. | |
Q | What were some key factors that affected the performance of CAT bonds, and the Fund’s performance, during the abbreviated annual reporting period ended October 31, 2023? |
A | The lack of correlation to the returns of other asset classes helped drive the Fund’s positive performance during the period, but there were some triggering events to which the Fund had exposure over the course of the reporting period. |
In the spring of 2023, several severe storms caused damage in a few US states. However, most of the losses were retained by insurance companies, with a modest impact on the reinsurance industry. As of October 31, 2023, the North Atlantic hurricane season had resulted in 19 named storms, seven hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. Most of the insured losses associated with those events were also retained by insurance companies with de minimis impact on the reinsurance industry. Two notable events were Hurricane Hilary and Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall in California and Florida, respectively, in |
August 2023. We expect no losses from those events to be attributed to the Fund’s holdings in catastrophe (CAT) bonds. | |
The August wildfires in Maui reportedly destroyed over 2,200 buildings, with an estimated $3.5 billion in insured losses. Once again, it is anticipated that most of the losses will be retained by the insurance companies, not the reinsurers, but will be counted towards aggregate losses. The Fund did not have any exposure to the indemnity aggregate CAT bonds linked to that event, and we are expecting no losses attributed to the Fund’s CAT bond holdings. | |
Each time an event occurs, we believe it provides us with the opportunity to reflect on our investment philosophy, process, and other important aspects of our operations, as well as our broader outlook. Thus, our takeaway from the recent events is that our philosophy of being sponsor- and vehicle-agnostic – meaning that there are no direct affiliations or ownership conditions in place with a reinsurer ‒ has continued to serve the Fund’s shareholders well. We have determined that some sponsors have continually underperformed their peers when affected by losses, and so we have sought to avoid investing the Fund in those types of transactions. | |
In addition, we have tended to avoid investing the portfolio in aggregate transactions (in other words, those that can be triggered by both the severity of a single loss and the frequency of multiple losses). In recent years, the industry has observed an increase in frequency of events, but not severity. Aggregate transactions have tended to pick up losses from both frequency and severity, while catastrophe models have historically displayed better accuracy on evaluating severity. | |
Finally, wind events have become, in our view, very well modeled, and Hurricane Hilary and Hurricane Idalia exemplified this. Over the years, the reinsurers and modeling agencies have refined and enhanced modeling for those types of events and the potential outcomes. As a result, their ability to evaluate, analyze, and price risk has improved. This factor has served to reinforce our view that it is preferable to avoid perils like cyberthreats and others, where the modeling, data, governance, and legal frameworks have not been as robust. |
Q | How would you characterize the pricing environment in the CAT bond market during the abbreviated annual reporting period ended October 31, 2023? |
A | A significant capital supply/demand imbalance remained in place during the early part of the period, primarily caused by two factors. First, insurance companies sought to have significantly more reinsurance coverage, largely driven by higher rates of inflation globally. At the same time, reinsurance companies, as well as the levels of capital available for ILS deals, were unable to keep pace with the increased demand. As a result of those pronounced supply/demand imbalances, the pendulum shifted in favor of reinsurance companies and ILS market participants that had capital available to deploy. Those sources of capital, therefore, gained much greater pricing power and the ability to demand more favorable terms. We were able to take advantage of that opportunity at the January 1, 2023 renewal, when about 60% of the global total reinsurance transactions for the year are typically finalized. |
Approximately 10% to 15% of annual transactions renewed in April 2023, with the primary focus on Japan. The reinsurance industry achieved Rate on Line (ROL) improvements of approximately 20% for loss-free Japanese typhoon and earthquake deals, along with increasing retention levels. The rising prices followed four consecutive years of double-digit rate increases, and overall pricing has risen by more than 60% from 2018. The Asia-Pacific market has encountered many of the same industry challenges related to supply/demand imbalance dynamics, inflation, and select loss events. | |
Some supply/demand imbalances remained in place at the close of the period, and we expect they will continue well into 2024. We believe the imbalances could create a continued tailwind for the asset class. Finally, the scope of coverages offered can be reduced through more restrictive contractual wording, which, in our view, could lead to improved underwriting margins. | |
Based on our research, we anticipate a continuation of “hard market” conditions heading into the January 1, 2024, renewals. Hard markets have historically represented a more attractive point to deploy capital in the reinsurance pricing cycle. A hard |
market is generally defined as when the price per unit-of-risk has significantly increased and profit margins are higher than in previous periods. The trend has been evident across many property and casualty (P& C) lines. As a result, pricing has reached a 30-year high. | |
Q | Did the Fund invest in any derivative securities during the abbreviated annual reporting period ended October 31, 2023? If so, did they have any effect on performance? |
A | We invested the Fund in some forward foreign currency contracts (currency forwards) in an effort to hedge the risk of having investments denominated in non-US dollar currencies. This aspect of our investment approach had no material effect on the Fund’s performance during the 12-month period. |
Q | What distributions** did the Fund make to shareholders during the abbreviated annual reporting period ended October 31, 2023? |
A | As of period-end, the Fund had not yet made a distribution. The first distribution was scheduled to occur on December 7, 2023. |
Q | What is your outlook as of October 31, 2023? |
A | We believe the positive pricing trends may remain in place as the hard market continues. The majority of the calendar-year return stream in the marketplace has tended to occur in the second half of the year, driven by seasonality. In years with normal loss activity, approximately 60% to 70% of the annual returns for ILS, including CAT bonds, has come in the second half of the year. Therefore, we see the potential for solid returns for the ILS asset class as 2023 winds down. Of course, past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
** | Distributions are not guaranteed. |
(As a percentage of total investments)* | ||
1. | Stabilitas Re, 13.945% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 850 bps), 6/5/26 (144A) | 4.88% |
2. | Long Point Re IV, Series 2022, 9.695% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 425 bps), 6/1/26 (144A) | 3.65 |
3. | Titania Re, 18.197% (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,275 bps), 2/27/26 (144A) | 3.60 |
4. | Gateway Re, 15.447% (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,000 bps), 7/8/26 (144A) | 2.80 |
5. | Purple Re, 17.695% (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,225 bps), 4/24/26 (144A) | 2.78 |
6. | Lower Ferry Re, 9.697% (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 425 bps), 7/8/26 (144A) | 2.77 |
7. | Isosceles Re, 5/31/29 | 2.75 |
8. | Atlas Capital, 12.56% (SOFR + 725 bps), 6/5/26 (144A) | 2.66 |
9. | Torrey Pines Re, 10.445% (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 500 bps), 6/5/26 (144A) | 2.59 |
10. | Eiffel Re, 7.222% (3 Month EURIBOR + 325 bps), 1/19/27 (144A) | 2.57 |
Class | 10/31/23 | 1/27/23* |
A | $11.12 | $10.00 |
K | $11.15 | $10.00 |
Y | $11.14 | $10.00 |
Class | Net
Investment Income |
Short-Term
Capital Gains |
Long-Term
Capital Gains |
A | $— | $— | $— |
K | $— | $— | $— |
Y | $— | $— | $— |
Performance Update | 10/31/23 | Class A Shares |
Performance Update | 10/31/23 | Class K Shares |
Performance Update | 10/31/23 | Class Y Shares |
(1) | ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses; and |
(2) | transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments. |
(1) | Divide your account value by
$1,000 Example: an $8,600 account value ÷ $1,000 = 8.6 |
(2) | Multiply the result in (1) above by the corresponding share class’s number in the third row under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. |
Share Class | A | K | Y |
Beginning
Account Value on 1/25/23 |
$1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
Ending
Account Value (after expenses) on 10/31/23 |
$1,076.50 | $1,079.40 | $1,077.40 |
Expenses
Paid During Period* |
$8.79 | $7.29 | $7.85 |
* | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.68%, 1.39%, and 1.50% for Class A, Class K, and Class Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
Share Class | A | K | Y |
Beginning
Account Value on 5/1/23 |
$1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
Ending
Account Value (after expenses) on 10/31/23 |
$1,016.74 | $1,018.20 | $1,017.64 |
Expenses
Paid During Period* |
$8.54 | $7.07 | $7.63 |
* | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.68%, 1.39%, and 1.50% for Class A, Class K, and Class Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Insurance-Linked
Securities — 97.0% of Net Assets# |
||||||
Event Linked Bonds — 93.7% | ||||||
Earthquakes – California — 10.0% | ||||||
1,000,000(a) | Sutter Re, 12.195%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 675 bps), 6/19/26 (144A) | $ 1,007,100 | ||||
2,000,000(a) | Sutter Re, 15.195%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 975 bps), 6/19/26 (144A) | 2,015,000 | ||||
2,100,000(a) | Torrey Pines Re, 10.445%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 500 bps), 6/5/26 (144A) | 2,117,430 | ||||
1,250,000(a) | Ursa Re, 14.695%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 925 bps), 12/7/26 (144A) | 1,249,375 | ||||
1,000,000(a) | Ursa Re II, 9.385%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 394 bps), 12/7/23 (144A) | 997,000 | ||||
1,000,000(a) | Ursa Re II, 11.757%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 631 bps), 12/7/23 (144A) | 998,000 | ||||
$ 8,383,905 | ||||||
Earthquakes – Chile — 0.3% | ||||||
250,000(a) | International Bank for Reconstruction & Development, 10.071%, (SOFR + 475 bps), 3/31/26 (144A) | $ 255,250 | ||||
Earthquakes - Japan — 0.3% | ||||||
250,000(a) | Nakama Re, 7.706%, (3 Month Term SOFR + 250 bps), 5/9/28 (144A) | $ 248,725 | ||||
Earthquakes – U.S. — 0.9% | ||||||
250,000(a) | Merna Re II, 9.377%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 393 bps), 4/5/24 (144A) | $ 249,150 | ||||
500,000(a) | Torrey Pines Re, 9.625%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 418 bps), 6/7/24 (144A) | 487,550 | ||||
$ 736,700 | ||||||
Flood – U.S. — 1.5% | ||||||
1,000,000(a) | FloodSmart Re, 21.695%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,625 bps), 3/11/26 (144A) | $ 1,021,400 | ||||
250,000(a) | FloodSmart Re, 26.945%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 2,150 bps), 3/11/26 (144A) | 261,450 | ||||
$ 1,282,850 | ||||||
Health – U.S. — 0.6% | ||||||
500,000(a) | Vitality Re XIII, 7.442%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 200 bps), 1/6/26 (144A) | $ 490,550 | ||||
Multiperil – Florida — 1.2% | ||||||
1,000,000(a) | Sanders Re, 13.447%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 800 bps), 6/5/26 (144A) | $ 1,028,600 |
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Multiperil – U.S. — 26.4% | ||||||
400,000(a) | Aquila Re, 12.945%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 750 bps), 6/8/26 (144A) | $ 409,160 | ||||
1,400,000(a) | Aquila Re, 14.695%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 925 bps), 6/8/26 (144A) | 1,459,500 | ||||
250,000(a) | Aquila Re I, 10.695%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 525 bps), 6/8/26 (144A) | 253,450 | ||||
750,000(a) | Baldwin Re, 9.945%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 450 bps), 7/7/27 (144A) | 743,775 | ||||
750,000(a) | Bonanza Re, 10.315%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 487 bps), 2/20/24 (144A) | 738,675 | ||||
500,000(a) | Caelus Re VI, 10.825%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 538 bps), 6/7/24 (144A) | 494,500 | ||||
1,100,000(a) | Easton Re, 9.975%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 453 bps), 1/8/24 (144A) | 1,098,900 | ||||
250,000(a) | Four Lakes Re, 11.945%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 650 bps), 1/7/26 (144A) | 251,500 | ||||
400,000(a) | Four Lakes Re, 15.605%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,016 bps), 1/5/24 (144A) | 400,600 | ||||
1,200,000(a) | Hypatia Re, 14.947%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 950 bps), 4/8/26 (144A) | 1,238,280 | ||||
1,150,000(a) | Locke Tavern Re, 4.75%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 475 bps), 4/9/26 (144A) | 1,163,570 | ||||
3,000,000(a) | Long Point Re IV, 9.695%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 425 bps), 6/1/26 (144A) | 2,983,500 | ||||
350,000(a) | Merna Re II, 13.197%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 775 bps), 7/7/26 (144A) | 356,125 | ||||
500,000(a) | Residential Re, 10.625%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 518 bps), 12/6/25 (144A) | 470,150 | ||||
500,000(a) | Residential Re, 11.955%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 651 bps), 12/6/24 (144A) | 494,850 | ||||
250,000(a) | Sanders Re II, 8.495%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 305 bps), 4/7/25 (144A) | 238,500 | ||||
1,500,000(a) | Sanders Re III, 8.945%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 350 bps), 4/7/26 (144A) | 1,423,650 | ||||
700,000(a) | Sanders Re III, 11.195%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 575 bps), 4/7/27 (144A) | 689,710 | ||||
1,550,000(a) | Solomon Re, 10.695%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 525 bps), 6/8/26 (144A) | 1,577,590 | ||||
3,900,000(a) | Stabilitas Re, 13.945%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 850 bps), 6/5/26 (144A) | 3,983,850 |
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Multiperil – U.S. — (continued) | ||||||
250,000(a) | Sussex Re, 13.827%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 838 bps), 1/8/25 (144A) | $ 244,350 | ||||
1,650,000(a) | Topanga Re, 10.435%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 499 bps), 1/8/26 (144A) | 1,501,500 | ||||
$22,215,685 | ||||||
Multiperil – U.S. & Canada — 6.4% | ||||||
750,000(a) | Mona Lisa Re, 12.447%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 700 bps), 7/8/25 (144A) | $ 744,150 | ||||
350,000(a) | Mystic Re IV, 11.575%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 613 bps), 1/8/25 (144A) | 338,975 | ||||
250,000(a) | Mystic Re IV, 11.69%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,160 bps), 1/8/25 (144A) | 245,100 | ||||
1,750,000(a) | Mystic Re IV, 15.195%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 975 bps), 1/8/24 (144A) | 1,748,250 | ||||
1,000,000(a) | Northshore Re II, 13.445%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 800 bps), 7/8/25 (144A) | 1,024,300 | ||||
1,000,000(a) | Titania Re, 17.695%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,225 bps), 2/27/26 (144A) | 1,070,000 | ||||
250,000(a) | Vista Re, 12.197%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 675 bps), 5/21/24 (144A) | 249,750 | ||||
$ 5,420,525 | ||||||
Multiperil – Worldwide — 3.5% | ||||||
2,150,000(a) | Atlas Capital, 12.56%, (SOFR + 725 bps), 6/5/26 (144A) | $ 2,173,220 | ||||
250,000(a) | Atlas Capital Re, 13.745%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 830 bps), 6/10/24 (144A) | 254,150 | ||||
500,000(a) | Montoya Re, 12.195%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 675 bps), 4/7/25 (144A) | 503,150 | ||||
$ 2,930,520 | ||||||
Windstorm – Europe — 2.5% | ||||||
EUR 2,000,000(a) | Eiffel Re, 7.222%, (3 Month EURIBOR + 325 bps), 1/19/27 (144A) | $ 2,101,810 | ||||
Windstorm – Florida — 0.7% | ||||||
600,000(a) | First Coast Re, 9.00%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 900 bps), 4/7/26 (144A) | $ 606,660 | ||||
Windstorm – Japan — 4.5% | ||||||
1,300,000(a) | Black Kite Re, 12.35%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 690 bps), 6/9/25 (144A) | $ 1,298,440 |
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Windstorm – Japan — (continued) | ||||||
1,000,000(a) | Sakura Re, 7.697%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 225 bps), 4/7/25 (144A) | $ 996,400 | ||||
1,500,000(a) | Tomoni Re, 8.195%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 275 bps), 4/7/26 (144A) | 1,474,650 | ||||
$ 3,769,490 | ||||||
Windstorm - New York — 1.2% | ||||||
1,000,000(a) | MetroCat Re, 5.75%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 575 bps), 5/8/26 (144A) | $ 1,007,800 | ||||
Windstorm – North Carolina — 3.6% | ||||||
1,750,000(a) | Cape Lookout Re, 9.145%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 370 bps), 3/22/24 (144A) | $ 1,741,250 | ||||
1,250,000(a) | Cape Lookout Re, 11.945%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 650 bps), 4/28/26 (144A) | 1,275,375 | ||||
$ 3,016,625 | ||||||
Windstorm – Texas — 2.4% | ||||||
550,000(a) | Alamo Re, 12.625%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 718 bps), 6/7/24 (144A) | $ 546,425 | ||||
500,000(a) | Alamo Re, 12.697%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 725 bps), 6/7/25 (144A) | 501,650 | ||||
1,000,000(a) | Alamo Re, 13.945%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 850 bps), 6/7/26 (144A) | 1,002,700 | ||||
$ 2,050,775 | ||||||
Windstorm – U.S. — 21.3% | ||||||
750,000(a) | Bonanza Re, 11.195%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 575 bps), 3/16/25 (144A) | $ 714,000 | ||||
1,000,000(a) | Citrus Re, 12.195%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 675 bps), 6/7/26 (144A) | 1,023,400 | ||||
750,000(a) | Citrus Re, 14.445%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 900 bps), 6/7/26 (144A) | 756,450 | ||||
1,000,000(a) | Commonwealth Re, 9.447%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 400 bps), 7/8/26 (144A) | 1,013,300 | ||||
1,000,000(a) | Gateway Re, 5.445%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 0 bps), 1/9/24 (144A) | 982,000 | ||||
2,250,000(a) | Gateway Re, 15.447%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,000 bps), 7/8/26 (144A) | 2,286,225 | ||||
500,000(a) | Gateway Re, 18.445%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,300 bps), 2/24/26 (144A) | 527,850 | ||||
250,000(a) | Gateway Re II, 14.945%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 950 bps), 4/27/26 (144A) | 254,725 | ||||
2,250,000(a) | Lower Ferry Re, 9.697%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 425 bps), 7/8/26 (144A) | 2,265,975 | ||||
1,750,000(a) | Mayflower Re, 4.50%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 450 bps), 7/8/26 (144A) | 1,773,450 |
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | ||||||
Windstorm – U.S. — (continued) | |||||||
700,000(a) | Merna Re II, 15.695%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,025 bps), 7/7/26 (144A) | $ 729,050 | |||||
1,500,000(a) | Purple Re, 15.447%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,000 bps), 6/5/26 (144A) | 1,519,050 | |||||
2,250,000(a) | Purple Re, 17.695%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,225 bps), 4/24/26 (144A) | 2,270,250 | |||||
1,800,000(a) | Queen Street Re, 12.945%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 750 bps), 12/8/25 (144A) | 1,843,380 | |||||
$17,959,105 | |||||||
Windstorm – U.S. & Canada — 3.5% | |||||||
2,750,000(a) | Titania Re, 18.197%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,275 bps), 2/27/26 (144A) | $ 2,942,500 | |||||
Winterstorm – Florida — 2.9% | |||||||
1,200,000(a) | Integrity Re, 17.445%, (1 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,200 bps), 6/6/25 (144A) | $ 1,264,680 | |||||
1,150,000(a) | Lightning Re, 16.447%, (3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill + 1,100 bps), 3/31/26 (144A) | 1,206,120 | |||||
$ 2,470,800 | |||||||
Total Event Linked Bonds | $78,918,875 | ||||||
Face
Amount USD ($) |
||||||
Collateralized Reinsurance — 3.3% | ||||||
Windstorm – Florida — 2.7% | ||||||
2,250,000(b)(c) + | Isosceles Re, 5/31/29 | $ 2,242,125 | ||||
Windstorm – North Carolina — 0.3% | ||||||
250,000(b)(c) + | Isosceles Re, 4/30/29 | $ 249,425 | ||||
Windstorm – U.S. — 0.3% | ||||||
250,000(b)(c) + | White Heron Re, 5/31/29 | $ 251,250 | ||||
Total Collateralized Reinsurance | $2,742,800 | |||||
Total
Insurance-Linked Securities (Cost $80,149,066) |
$81,661,675 | |||||
TOTAL
INVESTMENTS IN UNAFFILIATED ISSUERS — 97.0% (Cost $80,149,066) |
$81,661,675 | |||||
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 3.0% | $ 2,537,668 | |||||
net assets — 100.0% | $84,199,343 | |||||
bps | Basis Points. |
EURIBOR | Euro Interbank Offered Rate. |
SOFR | Secured Overnight Financing Rate. |
(144A) | The resale of such security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. Such securities may be resold normally to qualified institutional buyers. At October 31, 2023, the value of these securities amounted to $78,918,875, or 93.7% of net assets. |
(a) | Floating rate note. Coupon rate, reference index and spread shown at October 31, 2023. |
(b) | Non-income producing security. |
(c) | Issued as participation notes. |
+ | Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). |
# | Securities are restricted as to resale. |
Restricted Securities | Acquisition date | Cost | Value |
Alamo Re | 2/8/2023 | $ 541,798 | $ 546,425 |
Alamo Re | 4/12/2023 | 1,000,000 | 1,002,700 |
Alamo Re | 9/25/2023 | 503,076 | 501,650 |
Aquila Re | 5/10/2023 | 400,000 | 409,160 |
Aquila Re | 5/10/2023 | 1,400,000 | 1,459,500 |
Aquila Re I | 5/10/2023 | 250,000 | 253,450 |
Atlas Capital | 5/17/2023 | 2,150,000 | 2,173,220 |
Atlas Capital Re | 1/31/2023 | 244,162 | 254,150 |
Baldwin Re | 6/21/2023 | 750,000 | 743,775 |
Black Kite Re | 6/6/2023 | 1,294,017 | 1,298,440 |
Bonanza Re | 1/27/2023 | 640,918 | 714,000 |
Bonanza Re | 2/17/2023 | 710,211 | 738,675 |
Caelus Re VI | 1/30/2023 | 489,923 | 494,500 |
Cape Lookout Re | 4/14/2023 | 1,257,685 | 1,275,375 |
Cape Lookout Re | 6/1/2023 | 1,725,377 | 1,741,250 |
Citrus Re | 4/27/2023 | 750,000 | 756,450 |
Citrus Re | 4/27/2023 | 1,001,548 | 1,023,400 |
Commonwealth Re | 6/7/2023 | 1,000,000 | 1,013,300 |
Easton Re | 3/24/2023 | 1,092,494 | 1,098,900 |
Eiffel Re | 6/22/2023 | 2,191,500 | 2,101,810 |
First Coast Re | 3/24/2023 | 600,000 | 606,660 |
FloodSmart Re | 2/23/2023 | 1,000,000 | 1,021,400 |
FloodSmart Re | 2/23/2023 | 250,000 | 261,450 |
Four Lakes Re | 1/31/2023 | 386,230 | 400,600 |
Four Lakes Re | 3/3/2023 | 250,000 | 251,500 |
Gateway Re | 2/3/2023 | 500,000 | 527,850 |
Gateway Re | 5/26/2023 | 975,751 | 982,000 |
Gateway Re | 7/14/2023 | 2,250,000 | 2,286,225 |
Gateway Re II | 4/13/2023 | 250,000 | 254,725 |
Hypatia Re | 3/27/2023 | 1,200,000 | 1,238,280 |
Integrity Re | 3/23/2023 | 1,200,000 | 1,264,680 |
International Bank for Reconstruction & Development | 3/17/2023 | 250,000 | 255,250 |
Isosceles Re | 8/7/2023 | 234,356 | 249,425 |
Isosceles Re | 9/7/2023 | 2,013,645 | 2,242,125 |
Restricted Securities | Acquisition date | Cost | Value |
Lightning Re | 3/20/2023 | $1,150,000 | $ 1,206,120 |
Locke Tavern Re | 3/23/2023 | 1,150,000 | 1,163,570 |
Long Point Re IV | 2/23/2023 | 2,958,509 | 2,983,500 |
Lower Ferry Re | 6/23/2023 | 2,250,000 | 2,265,975 |
Mayflower Re | 6/26/2023 | 1,750,000 | 1,773,450 |
Merna Re II | 2/17/2023 | 250,000 | 249,150 |
Merna Re II | 4/5/2023 | 350,000 | 356,125 |
Merna Re II | 4/5/2023 | 700,000 | 729,050 |
MetroCat Re | 5/12/2023 | 1,000,000 | 1,007,800 |
Mona Lisa Re | 1/27/2023 | 695,490 | 744,150 |
Montoya Re | 2/28/2023 | 485,162 | 503,150 |
Mystic Re IV | 1/31/2023 | 213,918 | 245,100 |
Mystic Re IV | 3/10/2023 | 1,723,854 | 1,748,250 |
Mystic Re IV | 9/19/2023 | 337,963 | 338,975 |
Nakama Re | 4/14/2023 | 250,000 | 248,725 |
Northshore Re II | 10/5/2023 | 1,024,701 | 1,024,300 |
Purple Re | 4/6/2023 | 2,269,672 | 2,270,250 |
Purple Re | 6/27/2023 | 1,500,000 | 1,519,050 |
Queen Street Re | 5/12/2023 | 1,800,000 | 1,843,380 |
Residential Re | 1/30/2023 | 490,957 | 494,850 |
Residential Re | 9/19/2023 | 483,766 | 470,150 |
Sakura Re | 5/24/2023 | 985,054 | 996,400 |
Sanders Re | 5/24/2023 | 1,000,000 | 1,028,600 |
Sanders Re II | 1/30/2023 | 237,997 | 238,500 |
Sanders Re III | 2/14/2023 | 1,419,960 | 1,423,650 |
Sanders Re III | 3/24/2023 | 700,000 | 689,710 |
Solomon Re | 6/12/2023 | 1,550,000 | 1,577,590 |
Stabilitas Re | 6/7/2023 | 3,920,553 | 3,983,850 |
Sussex Re | 1/27/2023 | 233,647 | 244,350 |
Sutter Re | 6/6/2023 | 1,000,000 | 1,007,100 |
Sutter Re | 6/6/2023 | 2,000,000 | 2,015,000 |
Titania Re | 2/16/2023 | 1,000,000 | 1,070,000 |
Titania Re | 2/16/2023 | 2,750,000 | 2,942,500 |
Tomoni Re | 5/31/2023 | 1,481,284 | 1,474,650 |
Topanga Re | 10/5/2023 | 1,492,197 | 1,501,500 |
Torrey Pines Re | 5/18/2023 | 2,100,000 | 2,117,430 |
Torrey Pines Re | 9/19/2023 | 488,326 | 487,550 |
Ursa Re | 10/10/2023 | 1,250,000 | 1,249,375 |
Ursa Re II | 5/17/2023 | 998,997 | 997,000 |
Ursa Re II | 6/1/2023 | 999,442 | 998,000 |
Vista Re | 1/30/2023 | 240,074 | 249,750 |
Vitality Re XIII | 3/6/2023 | 482,376 | 490,550 |
White Heron Re | 8/30/2023 | 232,476 | 251,250 |
Total Restricted Securities | $81,661,675 | ||
% of Net assets | 97.0% |
Currency
Purchased |
In
Exchange for |
Currency
Sold |
Deliver | Counterparty | Settlement
Date |
Unrealized
(Depreciation) |
USD | 2,106,684 | EUR | 2,000,000 | Goldman Sachs & Co. | 12/21/23 | $(14,690) |
TOTAL FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS | $ (14,690) |
USD | United States Dollar |
EUR | Euro |
Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of value over tax cost | $ 1,662,716 |
Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of tax cost over value | (1,802,317) |
Net unrealized depreciation | $ (139,601) |
Level 1 | – | unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. |
Level 2 | – | other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.). See Notes to Financial Statements — Note 1A. |
Level 3 | – | significant unobservable inputs (including the Adviser's own assumptions in determining fair value of investments). See Notes to Financial Statements — Note 1A. |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |
Insurance-Linked Securities | ||||
Collateralized Reinsurance | ||||
Windstorm – Florida | $— | $ — | $2,242,125 | $ 2,242,125 |
Windstorm – North Carolina | — | — | 249,425 | 249,425 |
Windstorm – U.S. | — | — | 251,250 | 251,250 |
All Other Insurance-Linked Securities | — | 78,918,875 | — | 78,918,875 |
Total Investments in Securities | $ — | $ 78,918,875 | $ 2,742,800 | $ 81,661,675 |
Other Financial Instruments | ||||
Net unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | $— | $ (14,690) | $ — | $ (14,690) |
Total Other Financial Instruments | $ — | $ (14,690) | $ — | $ (14,690) |
Insurance-Linked
Securities | |
Balance as of 01/27/23(1) | $ — |
Realized gain (loss)(2) | — |
Changed in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)(3) | 262,323 |
Return of capital | — |
Purchases | 2,480,477 |
Sales | — |
Transfers in to Level 3* | — |
Transfers out of Level 3* | — |
Balance as of 10/31/23 | $ 2,742,800 |
(1) | Commencement of Operations. | ||
(2) | Realized gain (loss) on these securities is included in the realized gain (loss) on investments on the Statement of Operations. | ||
(3) | Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on these securities is included in the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments on the Statement of Operations. | ||
* | Transfers are calculated on the beginning of period value. During the period ended October 31, 2023, there were no transfers in or out of Level 3. | ||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of Level 3 investments still held and considered Level 3 at October 31, 2023: | $262,323 |
ASSETS: | |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $80,149,066) | $81,661,675 |
Cash | 1,692,786 |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $40,119) | 40,292 |
Receivables — | |
Fund shares sold | 116,889 |
Interest | 855,622 |
Other assets | 35,225 |
Total assets | $84,402,489 |
LIABILITIES: | |
Payables — | |
Fund shares repurchased | $ 51,634 |
Trustees' fees | 812 |
Professional fees | 73,319 |
Transfer agent fees | 27,923 |
Printing fees | 9,099 |
Due to Adviser | 1,896 |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 14,690 |
Management fees | 13,581 |
Administrative expenses | 1,645 |
Distribution fees | 20 |
Accrued expenses | 8,527 |
Total liabilities | $ 203,146 |
NET ASSETS: | |
Paid-in capital | $78,196,417 |
Distributable earnings | 6,002,926 |
Net assets | $84,199,343 |
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE: | |
No par value (unlimited number of shares authorized) | |
Class A (based on $600,957/54,020 shares) | $ 11.12 |
Class K (based on $9,755,498/874,929 shares) | $ 11.15 |
Class Y (based on $73,842,888/6,626,453 shares) | $ 11.14 |
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE: | |
Class A (based on $11.12 net asset value per share/100%-4.50% maximum sales charge) | $ 11.64 |
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||
Interest from unaffiliated issuers | $4,667,043 | |
Dividends from unaffiliated issuers | 65,684 | |
Total Investment Income | $4,732,727 | |
EXPENSES: | ||
Management fees | $ 471,719 | |
Administrative expenses | 14,303 | |
Transfer agent fees | ||
Class A | 10 | |
Class K | 17 | |
Class Y | 48,504 | |
Distribution fees | ||
Class A | 1,767 | |
Shareowner communications expense | 2,818 | |
Custodian fees | 644 | |
Registration fees | 89,207 | |
Professional fees | 138,655 | |
Printing expense | 28,591 | |
Officers' and Trustees' fees | 6,941 | |
Insurance expense | 449 | |
Miscellaneous | 17,876 | |
Total expenses | $ 821,501 | |
Less fees waived and expenses reimbursed by the Adviser | (236,639) | |
Net expenses | $ 584,862 | |
Net investment income | $4,147,865 | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on: | ||
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | $ 248,322 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 99,879 | |
Other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies | 8,142 | $ 356,343 |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | ||
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | $1,512,609 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | (14,690) | |
Other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies | 169 | $1,498,088 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | $1,854,431 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | $ 6,002,296 |
Period
From 1/27/23* to 10/31/23 | |
FROM OPERATIONS: | |
Net investment income (loss) | $ 4,147,865 |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | 356,343 |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 1,498,088 |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | $ 6,002,296 |
FROM FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | |
Net proceeds from sales of shares | $102,533,307 |
Cost of shares repurchased | (24,336,260) |
Net increase in net assets resulting from Fund share transactions | $ 78,197,047 |
Net increase in net assets | $ 84,199,343 |
NET ASSETS: | |
Beginning of period | $ — |
End of period | $ 84,199,343 |
* | The Fund commenced operations on January 27, 2023. |
Period
From 1/27/23* to 10/31/23 Shares |
Period
From 1/27/23* to 10/31/23 Amount | |
Class A | ||
Shares sold | 100,460 | $ 1,004,972 |
Reinvestment of distributions | — | — |
Less shares repurchased | (46,440) | (501,545) |
Net increase | 54,020 | $ 503,427 |
Class K | ||
Shares sold | 928,213 | $ 9,553,900 |
Reinvestment of distributions | — | — |
Less shares repurchased | (53,284) | (577,599) |
Net increase | 874,929 | $ 8,976,301 |
Class Y | ||
Shares sold | 8,787,638 | $ 91,974,435 |
Reinvestment of distributions | — | — |
Less shares repurchased | (2,161,185) | (23,257,116) |
Net increase | 6,626,453 | $ 68,717,319 |
* | The Fund commenced operations on January 27, 2023. |
1/27/23* to
10/31/23 | |
Class A | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $10.00 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.77 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.35 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 1.12 |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 1.12 |
Net asset value, end of period | $11.12 |
Total return (b) | 11.20%(c) |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 1.68%(d) |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 9.65%(d) |
Portfolio turnover rate | 77%(c) |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $ 601 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | |
Total expenses to average net assets | 2.26%(d) |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 9.07%(d) |
* | Class A commenced operations on January 27, 2023. |
(a) | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. |
(c) | Not annualized. |
(d) | Annualized. |
1/27/23*
to 10/31/23 | |
Class K | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $10.00 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.86 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.29 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 1.15 |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 1.15 |
Net asset value, end of period | $11.15 |
Total return (b) | 11.50%(c) |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 1.39%(d) |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 10.70%(d) |
Portfolio turnover rate | 77%(c) |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $9,755 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | |
Total expenses to average net assets | 1.96%(d) |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 10.13%(d) |
* | Class K commenced operations on January 27, 2023. |
(a) | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period. |
(c) | Not annualized. |
(d) | Annualized. |
1/27/23* to
10/31/23 | |
Class Y | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 10.00 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | |
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.85 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.29 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 1.14 |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 1.14 |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 11.14 |
Total return (b) | 11.40%(c) |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 1.50%(d) |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 10.55%(d) |
Portfolio turnover rate | 77%(c) |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $73,843 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | |
Total expenses to average net assets | 2.11%(d) |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 9.94%(d) |
* | Class Y commenced operations on January 27, 2023. |
(a) | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period. |
(c) | Not annualized. |
(d) | Annualized. |
A. | Security Valuation |
The net asset value of the Fund is computed once daily, on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE. | |
Event-linked bonds are valued at the bid price obtained from an independent third party pricing service. Other insurance-linked securities (including reinsurance sidecars, collateralized reinsurance and industry loss warranties) may be valued at the bid price obtained from an independent pricing service, or through a third party using a pricing matrix, insurance valuation models, or other fair value methods or techniques to provide an estimated value of the instrument. | |
Fixed-income securities are valued by using prices supplied by independent pricing services, which consider such factors as market |
prices, market events, quotations from one or more brokers, Treasury spreads, yields, maturities and ratings, or may use a pricing matrix or other fair value methods or techniques to provide an estimated value of the security or instrument. A pricing matrix is a means of valuing a debt security on the basis of current market prices for other debt securities, historical trading patterns in the market for fixed-income securities and/or other factors. Non-U.S. debt securities that are listed on an exchange will be valued at the bid price obtained from an independent third party pricing service. When independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices, or when prices or market quotations are considered to be unreliable, the value of that security may be determined using quotations from one or more broker-dealers. | |
The value of foreign securities is translated into U.S. dollars based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by a third party pricing source. Trading in non-U.S. equity securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund's shares are determined as of such times. The Adviser may use a fair value model developed by an independent pricing service to value non-U.S. equity securities. | |
Shares of open-end registered investment companies (including money market mutual funds) are valued at such funds’ net asset value. | |
Securities for which independent pricing services or broker-dealers are unable to supply prices or for which market prices and/or quotations are not readily available or are considered to be unreliable are valued by a fair valuation team comprised of certain personnel of the Adviser. The Adviser is designated as the valuation designee for the Fund pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act. The Adviser’s fair valuation team is responsible for monitoring developments that may impact fair valued securities. | |
Inputs used when applying fair value methods to value a security may include credit ratings, the financial condition of the company, current market conditions and comparable securities. The Adviser may use fair value methods if it is determined that a significant event has occurred after the close of the exchange or market on which the security trades and prior to the determination of the Fund's net asset value. Examples of a significant event might include political or economic news, corporate restructurings, natural disasters, terrorist activity or trading halts. Thus, the valuation of the Fund's securities may differ significantly from exchange prices, and such differences could be material. |
B. | Investment Income and Transactions |
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have passed are recorded as soon as the Fund becomes aware of the ex-dividend data in the exercise of reasonable diligence. | |
Interest income, including interest on income-bearing cash accounts, is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend and interest income are reported net of unrecoverable foreign taxes withheld at the applicable country rates and net of income accrued on defaulted securities. | |
Interest and dividend income payable by delivery of additional shares is reclassified as PIK (payment-in-kind) income upon receipt and is included in interest and dividend income, respectively. | |
Security transactions are recorded as of trade date. Gains and losses on sales of investments are calculated on the identified cost method for both financial reporting and federal income tax purposes. | |
C. | Foreign Currency Translation |
The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Amounts denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. | |
Net realized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, if any, represent, among other things, the net realized gains and losses on foreign currency exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies and the difference between the amount of income accrued and the U.S. dollars actually received. Further, the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments are not segregated on the Statement of Operations from the effects of changes in the market prices of those securities, but are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments. | |
D. | Federal Income Taxes |
It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its net taxable income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareowners. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required. As of October 31, 2023, the Fund did not accrue any interest or penalties with respect to uncertain tax positions, which, if applicable, would be recorded as an income tax expense on the Statement of Operations. Tax returns filed within the prior three years remain subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities. |
The amount and character of income and capital gain distributions to shareowners are determined in accordance with federal income tax rules, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Distributions in excess of net investment income or net realized gains are temporary over distributions for financial statement purposes resulting from differences in the recognition or classification of income or distributions for financial statement and tax purposes. Capital accounts within the financial statements are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character, but are not adjusted for temporary differences. | |
At October 31, 2023, the Fund reclassified $630 to increase distributable earnings and $630 to decrease paid-in capital to reflect permanent book/tax differences. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. | |
At October 31, 2023, the Fund was permitted to carry forward indefinitely $2,992 of short-term losses and $0 of long-term losses. | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the period ended October 31, 2023 was as follows: |
2023 | |
Distributions paid from: | |
Ordinary income | $ — |
Total | $— |
2023 | |
Distributable earnings/(losses): | |
Undistributed ordinary income | $6,145,519 |
Capital loss carryforward | (2,992) |
Net unrealized depreciation | (139,601) |
Total | $ 6,002,926 |
E. | Fund Shares |
The Fund records sales and repurchases of its shares as of trade date. The Distributor earned $0 in underwriting commissions on the sale of Class A shares during the period ended October 31, 2023. |
F. | Class Allocations |
Income, common expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses are calculated at the Fund level and allocated daily to each class of shares based on its respective percentage of adjusted net assets at the beginning of the day. | |
Distribution fees are calculated based on the average daily net asset value attributable to Class A shares of the Fund (see Note 5). Class K and Class Y shares do not pay distribution fees. All expenses and fees paid to the Fund's transfer agent for its services are allocated among the classes of shares based on the number of accounts in each class and the ratable allocation of related out-of-pocket expenses (see Note 4). | |
The Fund generally pays dividends from any net investment income in December. Short- and long-term capital gain distributions are paid in November. Distributions to shareowners are recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions paid by the Fund with respect to each class of shares are calculated in the same manner and at the same time, except that net investment income dividends to Class A, Class K and Class Y shares can reflect different transfer agent and distribution expense rates. | |
G. | Risks |
The value of securities held by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political or regulatory conditions, recessions, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, inflation, changes in interest rates, armed conflict including Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, other nations or individuals or companies and possible countermeasures, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In the past several years, financial markets have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread. Inflation and interest rates have increased and may rise further. These circumstances could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments and negatively impact the Fund's performance. | |
The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent variants on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced or may experience particularly large losses. Periods of extreme volatility in the financial markets, reduced liquidity of many instruments, increased government debt, inflation, and disruptions to |
supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability, may continue for some time. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian securities lost all, or nearly all, their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly affected by past or future political, geopolitical or other events or conditions. | |
Governments and central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the U.S. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, may not be known for some time. | |
The U.S. and other countries are periodically involved in disputes over trade and other matters, which may result in tariffs, investment restrictions and adverse impacts on affected companies and securities. For example, the U.S. has imposed tariffs and other trade barriers on Chinese exports, has restricted sales of certain categories of goods to China, and has established barriers to investments in China. Trade disputes may adversely affect the economies of the U.S. and its trading partners, as well as companies directly or indirectly affected and financial markets generally. If the political climate between the U.S. and China does not improve or continues to deteriorate, if China were to attempt unification of Taiwan by force, or if other geopolitical conflicts develop or get worse, economies, markets and individual securities may be severely affected both regionally and globally, and the value of the Fund's assets may go down. | |
At times, the Fund’s investments may represent industries or industry sectors that are interrelated or have common risks, making the Fund more susceptible to any economic, political, or regulatory developments or other risks affecting those industries and sectors. | |
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in catastrophe (CAT) bonds. The Fund may also invest in other forms of insurance-linked securities (ILS). The Fund could lose a portion or all of the principal it has invested in a CAT bond or other ILS, and the right to additional interest or dividend payments with respect to the security, upon the occurrence of one or more trigger events, as defined within the terms of an insurance-linked security. ILS carry significant risk. See note 1.I. The Fund may invest in securities and other obligations of any credit quality, including those that are rated below investment grade ("high yield"), or are unrated but are determined by the Adviser to be of equivalent credit |
quality. Below investment grade securities are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” and are considered speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Below investment grade securities, including floating rate loans, involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility, and may be less liquid and more difficult to value, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher rated debt securities. | |
The Fund’s investments in foreign markets and countries with limited developing markets may subject the Fund to a greater degree of risk than investments in a developed market. These risks include disruptive political or economic conditions, military conflicts and sanctions, terrorism, sustained economic downturns, financial instability, less liquid trading markets, extreme price volatility, currency risks, reduction of government or central bank support, inadequate accounting standards, tariffs, tax disputes or other tax burdens, nationalization or expropriation of assets and the imposition of adverse governmental laws, arbitrary application of laws and regulations or lack of rule of law and investment and repatriation restrictions. Lack of information and less market regulation also may affect the value of these securities. Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the Fund’s return. Non-U.S. issuers may be located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters. Investing in depositary receipts is subject to many of the same risks as investing directly in non-U.S. issuers. Depositary receipts may involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the underlying security. | |
The Fund's investments, payment obligations and financing terms may be based on floating rates, such as LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) or SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate). ICE Benchmark Administration, the administrator of LIBOR, has ceased publication of most LIBOR settings on a representative basis. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. In the U.S., a common benchmark replacement is based on the SOFR published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, including certain spread adjustments and benchmark replacement conforming changes, although other benchmark replacements (without or without spread adjustments) may be used in certain transactions. The impact of the transition from LIBOR on the Fund's transactions and financial markets generally cannot yet be determined. The transition away from LIBOR may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments that have relied on LIBOR and may adversely affect the Fund's performance. |
Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. In response to the military action by Russia, various countries, including the U.S., the United Kingdom, and European Union issued broad-ranging economic sanctions against Russia and Belarus and certain companies and individuals. Since then, Russian securities have lost all, or nearly all, their market value, and many other issuers, securities and markets have been adversely affected. The United States and other countries may impose sanctions on other countries, companies and individuals in light of Russia’s military invasion. The extent and duration of the military action or future escalation of such hostilities, the extent and impact of existing and future sanctions, market disruptions and volatility, and the result of any diplomatic negotiations cannot be predicted. These and any related events could have a significant impact on the value and liquidity of certain Fund investments, on Fund performance and the value of an investment in the Fund, particularly with respect to securities and commodities, such as oil, natural gas and food commodities, as well as other sectors with exposure to Russian issuers or issuers in other countries affected by the invasion, and are likely to have collateral impacts on market sectors globally. | |
With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. While the Fund’s Adviser has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, limit or mitigate, such cyber-attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund such as the Fund's custodian and accounting agent, and the Fund’s transfer agent. In addition, many beneficial owners of Fund shares hold them through accounts at broker-dealers, retirement platforms and other financial market participants over which neither the Fund nor the Adviser exercises control. Each of these may in turn rely on service providers to them, which are also subject to the risk of cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity failures or breaches at the Adviser or the Fund’s service providers or intermediaries have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value, impediments to trading, the inability of Fund shareowners to effect share purchases, redemptions or exchanges or receive distributions, loss of or unauthorized access to private shareowner information and violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, or additional compliance costs. Such costs and losses may not be covered under any |
insurance. In addition, maintaining vigilance against cyber-attacks may involve substantial costs over time, and system enhancements may themselves be subject to cyber-attacks. | |
The Fund’s prospectus contains unaudited information regarding the Fund’s principal risks. Please refer to that document when considering the Fund’s principal risks. | |
H. | Restricted Securities |
Restricted Securities are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Restricted securities generally are resold in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. Private placement securities are generally considered to be restricted except for those securities traded between qualified institutional investors under the provisions of Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. | |
Disposal of restricted investments may involve negotiations and expenses, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult to achieve. Restricted investments held by the Fund at October 31, 2023 are listed in the Schedule of Investments. | |
I. | Catastrophe (CAT) Bonds and Other Insurance-Linked Securities (“ILS”) |
The Fund invests in CAT Bonds (also known as event-linked bonds) and may invest in other ILS. The Fund could lose a portion or all of the principal it has invested in a CAT bond or other ILS, and the right to additional interest or dividend payments with respect to the security, upon the occurrence of one or more trigger events, as defined within the terms of an insurance-linked security. Trigger events, generally, are hurricanes, earthquakes, or other natural events of a specific size or magnitude that occur in a designated geographic region during a specified time period, and/or that involve losses or other metrics that exceed a specific amount. There is no way to accurately predict whether a trigger event will occur, and accordingly, CAT bonds and other ILS carry significant risk. The Fund is entitled to receive principal, and interest and/or dividend payments so long as no trigger event occurs of the description and magnitude specified by the instrument. In addition to the specified trigger events, CAT bonds and other ILS may expose the Fund to other risks, including but not limited to issuer (credit) default, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations and adverse tax consequences. | |
Where the CAT bond or other ILS are based on the performance of underlying reinsurance contracts, the Fund has limited transparency into |
the individual underlying contracts, and therefore must rely upon the risk assessment and sound underwriting practices of the issuer. Accordingly, it may be more difficult for the Adviser to fully evaluate the underlying risk profile of the Fund's structured reinsurance investments, and therefore the Fund's assets are placed at greater risk of loss than if the Adviser had more complete information. Structured reinsurance instruments generally will be considered illiquid securities by the Fund. These securities may be difficult to purchase, sell or unwind. Illiquid securities also may be difficult to value. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset, the Fund may be forced to sell at a loss. | |
J. | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts |
The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("contracts") for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future date. All contracts are marked-to-market daily at the applicable exchange rates, and any resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation is recorded in the Fund's financial statements. The Fund records realized gains and losses at the time a contract is offset by entry into a closing transaction or extinguished by delivery of the currency. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of the contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar (see Note 7). | |
During the period ended October 31, 2023, the Fund had entered into various forward foreign currency exchange contracts that obligated the Fund to deliver or take delivery of currencies at specified future maturity dates. Alternatively, prior to the settlement date of a forward foreign currency exchange contract, the Fund may close out such contract by entering into an offsetting contract. | |
The average market value of forward foreign currency exchange contracts open during the period ended October 31, 2023 was $220,537 and $1,085,885 for buys and sells, respectively. Open forward foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at October 31, 2023 are listed in the Schedule of Investments. |
Shareowner Communications: | |
Class A | $ 9 |
Class K | 19 |
Class Y | 2,790 |
Total | $2,818 |
Counterparty | Derivative
Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Agreement |
Derivatives
Available for Offset |
Non-Cash
Collateral Pledged (a) |
Cash
Collateral Pledged (a) |
Net
Amount of Derivative Liabilities (b) |
Goldman Sachs & Co. | $14,690 | $ — | $ — | $ — | $14,690 |
Total | $14,690 | $— | $— | $— | $14,690 |
Statement
of Assets and Liabilities |
Interest
Rate Risk |
Credit
Risk |
Foreign
Exchange Rate Risk |
Equity
Risk |
Commodity
Risk |
Liabilities | |||||
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | $ — | $ — | $14,690 | $ — | $ — |
Total Value | $— | $— | $14,690 | $— | $— |
Statement of Operations | Interest
Rate Risk |
Credit
Risk |
Foreign
Exchange Rate Risk |
Equity
Risk |
Commodity
Risk |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on | |||||
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | $ — | $ — | $ 99,879 | $ — | $ — |
Total Value | $— | $— | $ 99,879 | $— | $— |
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on | |||||
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | $ — | $ — | $ (14,690) | $ — | $ — |
Total Value | $— | $— | $(14,690) | $— | $— |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During At Least The Past Five Years |
Thomas
J. Perna (73) Chairman of the Board and Trustee |
Trustee
since 2022. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Private investor (2004 – 2008 and 2013 – present); Chairman (2008 – 2013) and Chief Executive Officer (2008 – 2012), Quadriserv, Inc. (technology products for securities lending industry); and Senior Executive Vice President, The Bank of New York (financial and securities services) (1986 – 2004) | Director,
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (investor communications and securities processing provider for financial services industry) (2009 – present); Director, Quadriserv, Inc. (2005 – 2013); and Commissioner, New Jersey State Civil Service Commission (2011 – 2015) |
John
E. Baumgardner, Jr. (72)* Trustee |
Trustee
since 2022. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Of Counsel (2019 – present), Partner (1983-2018), Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (law firm). | Chairman,
The Lakeville Journal Company, LLC, (privately-held community newspaper group) (2015-present) |
Diane
Durnin (66) Trustee |
Trustee
since 2022. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Managing Director - Head of Product Strategy and Development, BNY Mellon Investment Management (investment management firm) (2012-2018); Vice Chairman – The Dreyfus Corporation (2005 – 2018): Executive Vice President Head of Product, BNY Mellon Investment Management (2007-2012); Executive Director- Product Strategy, Mellon Asset Management (2005-2007); Executive Vice President Head of Products, Marketing and Client Service, Dreyfus Corporation (investment management firm) (2000-2005); Senior Vice President Strategic Product and Business Development, Dreyfus Corporation (1994-2000) | None |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During At Least The Past Five Years |
Benjamin
M. Friedman (79) Trustee |
Trustee
since 2022. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
William Joseph Maier Professor of Political Economy, Harvard University (1972 – present) | Trustee,
Mellon Institutional Funds Investment Trust and Mellon Institutional Funds Master Portfolio (oversaw 17 portfolios in fund complex) (1989 - 2008) |
Craig
C. MacKay (60) Trustee |
Trustee
since 2022. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Partner, England & Company, LLC (advisory firm) (2012 – present); Group Head – Leveraged Finance Distribution, Oppenheimer & Company (investment bank) (2006 – 2012); Group Head – Private Finance & High Yield Capital Markets Origination, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey (investment bank) (2003 – 2006); and Founder and Chief Executive Officer, HNY Associates, LLC (investment bank) (1996 – 2003) | Director,
Equitable Holdings, Inc. (financial services holding company) (2022 – present); Board Member of Carver Bancorp, Inc. (holding company) and Carver Federal Savings Bank, NA (2017 – present); Advisory Council Member, MasterShares ETF (2016 – 2017); Advisory Council Member, The Deal (financial market information publisher) (2015 – 2016); Board Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Danis Transportation Company (privately-owned commercial carrier) (2000 – 2003); Board Member and Chief Financial Officer, Customer Access Resources (privately-owned teleservices company) (1998 – 2000); Board Member, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (human services agency) (1993 – present); and Board Treasurer, Harlem Dowling Westside Center (foster care agency) (1999 – 2018) |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During At Least The Past Five Years |
Lorraine
H. Monchak (67) Trustee |
Trustee
since 2022. (Advisory Trustee from 2014 - 2017). Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Chief Investment Officer, 1199 SEIU Funds (healthcare workers union pension funds) (2001 – present); Vice President – International Investments Group, American International Group, Inc. (insurance company) (1993 – 2001); Vice President Corporate Finance and Treasury Group, Citibank, N.A. (1980 – 1986 and 1990 – 1993); Vice President – Asset/Liability Management Group, Federal Farm Funding Corporation (government-sponsored issuer of debt securities) (1988 – 1990); Mortgage Strategies Group, Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc. (investment bank) (1987 – 1988); Mortgage Strategies Group, Drexel Burnham Lambert, Ltd. (investment bank) (1986 – 1987) | None |
Marguerite
A. Piret (75) Trustee |
Trustee
since 2022. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Chief Financial Officer, American Ag Energy, Inc. (technology for the environment, energy and agriculture) (2019 – present); Chief Operating Officer, North Country Growers LLC (controlled environment agriculture company) (2020 – present); Chief Executive Officer, Green Heat LLC (biofuels company) (2022 – present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Newbury Piret Company (investment banking firm) (1981 – 2019) | Director
of New America High Income Fund, Inc. (closed-end investment company) (2004 – present); and Member, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2000 – 2006) |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During At Least The Past Five Years |
Fred
J. Ricciardi (76) Trustee |
Trustee
since 2022. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Private investor (2020 – present); Consultant (investment company services) (2012 – 2020); Executive Vice President, BNY Mellon (financial and investment company services) (1969 – 2012); Director, BNY International Financing Corp. (financial services) (2002 – 2012); Director, Mellon Overseas Investment Corp. (financial services) (2009 – 2012); Director, Financial Models (technology) (2005-2007); Director, BNY Hamilton Funds, Ireland (offshore investment companies) (2004-2007); Chairman/Director, AIB/BNY Securities Services, Ltd., Ireland (financial services) (1999-2006); Chairman, BNY Alternative Investment Services, Inc. (financial services) (2005-2007) | None |
* Mr. Baumgardner is Of Counsel to Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, which acts as counsel to the Independent Trustees of each Pioneer Fund. |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During At Least The Past Five Years |
Lisa
M. Jones (61)** Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Trustee
since 2022. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal |
Director, CEO and President of Amundi US, Inc. (investment management firm) (since September 2014); Director, CEO and President of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (since September 2014); Director, CEO and President of Amundi Distributor US, Inc. (since September 2014); Director, CEO and President of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (since September 2014); Chair, Amundi US, Inc., Amundi Distributor US, Inc. and Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (September 2014 – 2018); Managing Director, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (investment management firm) (2010 – 2013); Director of Institutional Business, CEO of International, Eaton Vance Management (investment management firm) (2005 – 2010); Director of Amundi Holdings US, Inc. (since 2017) | Director
of Clearwater Analytics (provider of web-based investment accounting software for reporting and reconciliation services) (September 2022 – present) |
Kenneth
J. Taubes (65)*** Trustee |
Trustee
since 2022. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal |
Director and Executive Vice President (since 2008) and Chief Investment Officer, U.S. (since 2010) of Amundi US, Inc. (investment management firm); Director and Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, U.S. of Amundi US (since 2008); Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, U.S. of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (since 2009); Portfolio Manager of Amundi US (since 1999); Director of Amundi Holdings US, Inc. (since 2017) | None |
**
Ms. Jones and Mr. Taubes are Interested Trustees because they are officers or directors of the Fund’s investment adviser and certain of its affiliates. *** Mr. Taubes is retiring as a Trustee, effective February 1, 2024. |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund**** |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Officer During At Least The Past Five Years |
Christopher
J. Kelley (58) Secretary and Chief Legal Officer |
Since
2022. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Amundi US since January 2008; Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of all of the Pioneer Funds since June 2010; Assistant Secretary of all of the Pioneer Funds from September 2003 to May 2010; Vice President and Senior Counsel of Amundi US from July 2002 to December 2007 | None |
Thomas
Reyes (61) Assistant Secretary |
Since
2022. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Assistant General Counsel of Amundi US since May 2013 and Assistant Secretary of all the Pioneer Funds since June 2010; Counsel of Amundi US from June 2007 to May 2013 | None |
Heather
L. Melito-Dezan (47) Assistant Secretary |
Since
2022. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Director - Trustee and Board Relationships of Amundi US since September 2019; Assistant Secretary of Amundi US, Inc. since July 2020: Assistant Secretary of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. since July 2020: Assistant Secretary of Amundi Distributor US, Inc. since July 2020; Assistant Secretary of all the Pioneer Funds since September 2022; Private practice from 2017 – 2019. | None |
Anthony
J. Koenig, Jr. (59) Treasurer and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer |
Since
2022. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Managing Director, Chief Operations Officer and Fund Treasurer of Amundi US since May 2021; Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since May 2021; Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds from January 2021 to May 2021; and Chief of Staff, US Investment Management of Amundi US from May 2008 to January 2021 | None |
Luis
I. Presutti (58) Assistant Treasurer |
Since
2022. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Director – Fund Treasury of Amundi US since 1999; and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since 1999 | None |
Gary
Sullivan (65) Assistant Treasurer |
Since
2022. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Senior Manager – Fund Treasury of Amundi US since 2012; and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since 2002 | None |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund**** |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Officer During At Least The Past Five Years |
Antonio
Furtado (41) Assistant Treasurer |
Since
2022. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Fund Oversight Manager – Fund Treasury of Amundi US since 2020; Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since 2020; and Senior Fund Treasury Analyst from 2012 - 2020 | None |
Michael
Melnick (52) Assistant Treasurer |
Since
2022. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Vice President - Deputy Fund Treasurer of Amundi US since May 2021; Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since July 2021; Director of Regulatory Reporting of Amundi US from 2001 – 2021; and Director of Tax of Amundi US from 2000 - 2001 | None |
John
Malone (53) Chief Compliance Officer |
Since
2022. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Managing Director, Chief Compliance Officer of Amundi US Asset Management; Amundi Asset Management US, Inc.; and the Pioneer Funds since September 2018; Chief Compliance Officer of Amundi Distributor US, Inc. since January 2014. | None |
Brandon
Austin (51) Anti-Money Laundering Officer |
Since
2022. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Director, Financial Security – Amundi Asset Management; Anti-Money Laundering Officer of all the Pioneer Funds since March 2022: Director of Financial Security of Amundi US since July 2021; Vice President, Head of BSA, AML and OFAC, Deputy Compliance Manager, Crédit Agricole Indosuez Wealth Management (investment management firm) (2013 – 2021) | None |
**** Marco Pirondini has been appointed to serve as an Executive Vice President of the Fund, effective February 1, 2024. |
Retirement plans information | 1-800-622-0176 |
Our toll-free fax | 1-800-225-4240 |
Our internet e-mail address |
us.askamundi@amundi.com (for general questions about Amundi only) |
A: PGHYX | C: PGYCX | Y: GHYYX |
Q | How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2023? |
A | Pioneer Global High Yield Fund’s Class A shares returned 6.76% at net asset value during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2023, while the Fund’s benchmarks, the Bloomberg Global High Yield Index (the Bloomberg Index) and the ICE Bank of America (ICE BofA) US High Yield Index, returned 9.98% and 5.82%, respectively. During the same period, the average return of the 686 mutual funds in Morningstar’s High Yield Bond Funds category was 5.72%. |
Q | Could you describe the market environment for investors in the global high-yield market during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2023? |
A | At the outset of the period, with inflation showing signs of modest easing, investors began to anticipate a pivot by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) to a more dovish stance on monetary policy, despite another increase to the federal funds rate target range of 75 basis points (bps) in early November 2022 (a basis point is equal to 1/100th of a percentage point). In December 2022, however, after a solid start to the fourth quarter, the market soon turned its attention to the potential recessionary effects of the higher interest-rate regime put in place by the Fed, which resulted in riskier assets (such as corporate bonds) giving back some of their gains from earlier in the quarter as the month |
progressed. In addition, the Fed implemented a more modest 50 bps increase to the federal funds rate target range at its December meeting, leaving the target range at 4.25% – 4.50% at the end of 2022, its highest level since the fall of 2007. | |
As inflation showed signs of moderating entering 2023, riskier assets rallied again, amid renewed investor optimism that the Fed and other leading central banks were poised to stop raising interest rates. January 2023 saw US Treasury yields pull back from their more recent highs on the outlook for a potential easing of monetary policy. That, in turn, boosted performance for bonds in general. In addition, the reopening of China’s economy as the Chinese government unwound its “Zero-COVID” policy eased concerns about slowing global economic growth. Against that backdrop, areas of the market that had lagged during the 2022 sell-off, including growth stocks and corporate bonds, outperformed. On February 1, 2023, the Fed increased the federal funds rate target again, but this time by a comparatively moderate 25 bps, bringing the target range to 4.50% – 4.75%. | |
In March, however, the failure of a pair of regional US banks and the collapse of European lender Credit Suisse raised fears of a financial crisis. In response, the Fed implemented a new lending program to support bank liquidity, while market participants began to anticipate decreases in the federal funds rate target range by the Fed before the end of the calendar year. The prospect of easier monetary policy and a flight to safety spurred by the banking concerns drove US Treasury yields sharply lower, supporting bond-market returns. At its March 23, 2023 meeting, the Fed went forward with another modest 25 bps increase to the federal funds target, bringing the range to 4.75% ‒ 5.00%. The financial markets viewed that increase as an indication that the Fed believed the financial system, overall, remained on solid footing. | |
With the unemployment rate at record lows, in April the markets welcomed news of 2% first quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth, driven by continued consumer strength. While high inflation and the strong labor market resulted in the Fed's Board survey of economic projections (the so-called "dots") indicating a terminal (ending) federal funds rate of 5.6%, markets were encouraged that the central bank was possibly nearing the end of |
its rate-hiking cycle. (The Fed's Board survey of economic projections is released four times a year and features the Federal Open Market Committee participants' projections for GDP growth, the unemployment rate, inflation, and the appropriate policy interest rate.) Meanwhile, corporate profits posted declines for both the first and second quarters of 2023, but investors embraced the very high percentage of earnings reports that came in above expectations. | |
The Fed increased the federal funds target range by 25 bps in early May, bringing the range to 5.00% ‒ 5.25%, before taking a pause at its June meeting. On July 26, 2023, the Fed once again raised the federal funds target range by 25 bps, then the Fed took another pause at its September meeting, leaving the range at 5.25% ‒ 5.50% as of period-end. | |
Through September and October, driven by the Fed’s “higher for longer” policy on interest rates and increasing concerns about both higher Treasury issuance and the US budget deficit, most asset classes sold off as US bond yields rose notably. In addition, weaker economic growth in China and Europe weighed on market sentiment. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury ended October of 2023 at 4.93%, versus 4.10% 12 months earlier. | |
Outside of the US, the European Central Bank (ECB) increased its short-term rate target across the 12-month period, moving the rate from 1.25% to 4.50% in its efforts to combat inflation. By the end of the period, statements by ECB governors indicated peak rates had been achieved, or would be soon. The European economy faced continued challenges presented by the Russia-Ukraine war, increased energy costs, and weakness in some export sectors, particularly those reliant on Chinese markets. The euro rallied against the US dollar during the period, from $0.98 to a high of $1.12, finishing the month of October 2023 at $1.06. The Chinese economy reported weaker growth than in prior periods, as the Chinese central government’s policies seeking to reduce reliance on residential property development weighed on economic activity. The emerging markets economies reported mixed economic growth during the 12-month period, with commodity-exporting nations outperforming. |
Against that backdrop, global high-yield corporate bonds posted a strong positive return for the 12-month period, while outperforming their more interest rate-sensitive investment-grade counterparts. | |
Q | What were the principal factors that influenced the Fund’s benchmark-relative performance during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2023? |
A | The Fund underperformed relative to its primary benchmark, the Bloomberg Index, during the 12-month period, mainly due to adverse sector allocation results. Security selection results also detracted from the Fund’s relative performance, but to a lesser degree. The most significant detractors, overall, from the Fund’s benchmark-relative returns over the 12-month period included our use of index-based credit-default-swap contracts (CDX) in our attempts to hedge portfolio risk, along with the portfolio’s non-benchmark exposures to convertible securities. |
At the sector allocation level, the portfolio’s overweight to the services sector was the biggest detractor from the Fund’s benchmark-relative returns during the 12-month period. With regard to security selection, results within the transportation sector were most detrimental to the Fund’s relative performance, although a portfolio overweight to the sector helped offset that negative. Selection results within the real estate sector benefited the Fund’s benchmark-relative performance the most during the period; however, that positive was essentially offset by a portfolio underweight to the sector. On a regional basis, security selection within the United States, where approximately half of the portfolio’s invested assets were allocated, accounted for the bulk of the Fund’s relative underperformance. With respect to ratings categories, security selection results among the portfolio’s holdings of unrated issues and issues rated “CCC” detracted from the Fund’s relative performance, while selection results within holdings of “BB” rated issues aided the Fund’s relative returns. | |
At the individual security level, the largest positive contributors to the Fund’s benchmark-relative performance during the 12-month period included overweight positions in Argentine energy producer YPF, Mexican airline Grupo Aeromexico, and Ukrainian |
steel producer Metinvest. The largest individual detractors from the Fund’s relative returns were positions in Atento, a Brazilian company focused on customer relationship management and business process outsourcing within Latin America, Western Global Airlines, a cargo airline that felt the negative effects of both reduced airfreight volumes as well as a pilot shortage, and the convertible notes of Enphase Energy, a producer of microinverters and other equipment for solar energy systems. | |
Q | Did the Fund have any investments in derivative securities during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2023? If so, did the derivatives have an effect on the Fund’s performance? |
Our primary use of derivatives during the period were the aforementioned CDX investments, which were part of our efforts to hedge the Fund’s risk exposures. As noted earlier, the CDX positions detracted from the Fund’s benchmark-relative performance over the 12-month period. The Fund also had exposure to forward foreign currency exchange contracts (currency forwards) during the period, which had a negligible effect on relative returns. | |
Q | Did the Fund’s distributions* to shareholders change during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2023? |
A | The Fund’s monthly distribution rate decreased slightly over the first six months of the 12-month period, as rising interest rates reduced the prices of the bonds held in the portfolio. (Rates and bond prices tend to move in opposite directions.) The monthly distribution rate then bounced back over the second half of the period and finished slightly higher than it had been 12 months earlier, as the Fund’s income-generation benefited from higher available bond yields, driven by continued interest-rate increases by central banks, including the Fed and ECB. |
Q | What is your assessment of the current climate for high-yield investing? |
A | While recent US economic data may show signs consistent with a domestic “soft landing,” in which growth slows but remains positive while inflation is brought under control, we are wary of |
* | Distributions are not guaranteed. |
extrapolating the current growth signals too far into the future. Consumer spending has been waning after a summer boost, business sentiment has been softening, and the still-tight US labor market has been cooling. In addition, higher interest rates and tighter lending conditions are just starting to take their toll on businesses. In a “higher for longer” interest-rate environment, businesses may encounter increasing difficulty with regard to carrying higher interest expenses and eventually rolling over maturing loans. We expect US economic growth will slow in the coming quarters, and while it may take into early 2024 to know if the economy has a soft or hard landing, we continue to view the odds of a soft landing in the US as relatively low. | |
Outside the US, we see the European economy as likely to remain sluggish, with inflation slowly declining, although household disposable incomes could remain healthy and continue to support demand. We expect economic growth in China to remain on a downward trend, and anticipate only limited fiscal stimulus from that country’s government. We believe declining inflation will lead to interest-rate cuts in several emerging markets countries, which may help support demand, although our core expectation is for a cyclical downturn followed by a mild recovery. | |
The recent rise in yields has been rapid and significant. Since the Fed’s last rate increase on July 26, 10-year US Treasury yields have moved from 3.86% to 4.93% (as of October 31, 2023). The rise in long-term Treasury rates is likely not due to higher expected inflation, in our view. Rather, it appears the bond market is currently discounting a “higher for forever” scenario, in which the Fed’s “neutral” federal funds target has increased substantially. Similarly, in Europe, 10-year German Bund yields rose from 2.48% to 2.81% over the same timeframe, even though inflation expectations have declined modestly. | |
Should there be a recession, we anticipate some high-yield bond issuers will end up in trouble, leading to increased defaults. However, we do not expect a deep recession, such as during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of 2007-2008. In the current environment, we anticipate the default rate remaining lower than it was after the GFC. Our view is predicated on the significant weighting of “BB” rated issuers in the high-yield universe (relative to prior periods), strong fundamentals in many sectors |
(As a percentage of total investments)* | ||
1. | U.S. Treasury Bills, 11/21/23 | 3.28% |
2. | U.S. Treasury Bills, 11/9/23 | 2.22 |
3. | ASG Finance Designated Activity Co., 7.875%, 12/3/24 (144A) | 1.40 |
4. | Tullow Oil Plc, 10.25%, 5/15/26 (144A) | 1.18 |
5. | Grupo Posadas S.A.B de CV, 5.00%, 12/30/27 (144A) | 1.11 |
6. | Global Aircraft Leasing Co., Ltd., 6.50% (7.25% PIK or 6.50% Cash), 9/15/24 (144A) | 1.06 |
7. | ABRA Global Finance, 11.50% (5.50% PIK or 6.00% Cash), 3/2/28 (144A) | 1.03 |
8. | Frigorifico Concepcion S.A., 7.70%, 7/21/28 (144A) | 1.03 |
9. | Energean Plc, 6.50%, 4/30/27 (144A) | 0.94 |
10. | CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 4.75%, 2/1/32 (144A) | 0.93 |
Class | 10/31/23 | 10/31/22 |
A | $6.94 | $6.87 |
C | $6.93 | $6.88 |
Y | $6.80 | $6.74 |
Class | Net
Investment Income |
Short-Term
Capital Gains |
Long-Term
Capital Gains |
Tax
Return of Capital |
A | $0.3783 | $— | $— | $0.0157 |
C | $0.3152 | $— | $— | $0.0157 |
Y | $0.3876 | $— | $— | $0.0157 |
Performance Update | 10/31/23 | Class A Shares |
Performance Update | 10/31/23 | Class C Shares |
Performance Update | 10/31/23 | Class Y Shares |
(1) | ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses; and |
(2) | transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments. |
(1) | Divide your account value by
$1,000 Example: an $8,600 account value ÷ $1,000 = 8.6 |
(2) | Multiply the result in (1) above by the corresponding share class’s number in the third row under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. |
Share Class | A | C | Y |
Beginning
Account Value on 5/1/23 |
$1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
Ending
Account Value (after expenses) on 10/31/23 |
$1,001.40 | $995.40 | $1,002.10 |
Expenses
Paid During Period* |
$5.75 | $10.56 | $4.54 |
* | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.14%, 2.10%, and 0.90% for Class A, Class C, and Class Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period). |
Share Class | A | C | Y |
Beginning
Account Value on 5/1/23 |
$1,000.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
Ending
Account Value (after expenses) on 10/31/23 |
$1,019.46 | $1,014.62 | $1,020.67 |
Expenses
Paid During Period* |
$5.80 | $10.66 | $4.58 |
* | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.14%, 2.10%, and 0.90% for Class A, Class C, and Class Y shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period). |
Shares | Value | |||||
UNAFFILIATED ISSUERS — 95.1% | ||||||
Common Stocks — 0.8% of Net Assets | ||||||
Automobile Components — 0.4% | ||||||
5,735,146(a) | Ascent CNR Corp., Class A | $ 573,515 | ||||
Total Automobile Components | $573,515 | |||||
Chemicals — 0.0%† | ||||||
148 | LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A | $ 13,355 | ||||
Total Chemicals | $13,355 | |||||
Household Durables — 0.0%† | ||||||
1,443,476(a) | Desarrolladora Homex SAB de CV | $ 1,041 | ||||
Total Household Durables | $1,041 | |||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.0%† | ||||||
25(a) | Amplify Energy Corp. | $ 174 | ||||
Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | $174 | |||||
Paper & Forest Products — 0.0%† | ||||||
459,481 | Emerald Plantation Holdings, Ltd. | $ — | ||||
Total Paper & Forest Products | $— | |||||
Passenger Airlines — 0.4% | ||||||
36,096(a) + | Grupo Aeromexico SAB de CV | $ 450,474 | ||||
Total Passenger Airlines | $450,474 | |||||
Total
Common Stocks (Cost $1,298,092) |
$1,038,559 | |||||
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
||||||
Collateralized
Mortgage Obligations—0.1% of Net Assets |
||||||
119,459(b) | DSLA Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-AR6, Class 2A1C, 6.288% (1 Month Term SOFR + 95 bps), 10/19/45 | $ 114,675 | ||||
Total
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (Cost $0) |
$114,675 | |||||
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Commercial
Mortgage-Backed Security—0.2% of Net Assets |
||||||
323,448(b) | Med Trust, Series 2021-MDLN, Class G, 10.698% (1 Month Term SOFR + 536 bps), 11/15/38 (144A) | $ 303,651 | ||||
Total
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Security (Cost $323,448) |
$303,651 | |||||
Convertible
Corporate Bonds — 2.8% of Net Assets |
||||||
Airlines — 0.5% | ||||||
398,000 | Air Canada, 4.00%, 7/1/25 | $ 420,911 | ||||
453,000 | Spirit Airlines, Inc., 1.00%, 5/15/26 | 263,134 | ||||
Total Airlines | $684,045 | |||||
Banks — 0.1% | ||||||
IDR 11,178,198,000 | PT Bakrie & Brothers Tbk, 4/28/24 | $ 70,370 | ||||
Total Banks | $70,370 | |||||
Biotechnology — 0.3% | ||||||
363,000 | Insmed, Inc., 1.75%, 1/15/25 | $ 357,918 | ||||
Total Biotechnology | $357,918 | |||||
Energy-Alternate Sources — 0.3% | ||||||
435,000(c) | Enphase Energy, Inc., 3/1/28 | $ 322,895 | ||||
Total Energy-Alternate Sources | $322,895 | |||||
Entertainment — 0.8% | ||||||
753,000(c) | DraftKings Holdings, Inc., 3/15/28 | $ 559,479 | ||||
520,000 | IMAX Corp., 0.50%, 4/1/26 | 470,879 | ||||
Total Entertainment | $1,030,358 | |||||
Pharmaceuticals — 0.2% | ||||||
336,000 | Revance Therapeutics, Inc., 1.75%, 2/15/27 | $ 251,442 | ||||
Total Pharmaceuticals | $251,442 | |||||
Semiconductors — 0.1% | ||||||
220,000 | ON Semiconductor Corp., 0.50%, 3/1/29 (144A) | $ 192,500 | ||||
Total Semiconductors | $192,500 | |||||
Software — 0.5% | ||||||
272,000 | Bentley Systems, Inc., 0.375%, 7/1/27 | $ 230,792 |
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Software — (continued) | ||||||
196,000 | Jamf Holding Corp., 0.125%, 9/1/26 | $ 160,865 | ||||
331,000 | Verint Systems, Inc., 0.25%, 4/15/26 | 278,867 | ||||
Total Software | $670,524 | |||||
Total
Convertible Corporate Bonds (Cost $4,905,447) |
$3,580,052 | |||||
Corporate
Bonds — 81.2% of Net Assets |
||||||
Advertising — 0.4% | ||||||
744,000 | Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., 7.50%, 6/1/29 (144A) | $ 541,547 | ||||
Total Advertising | $541,547 | |||||
Aerospace & Defense — 0.3% | ||||||
400,000 | Triumph Group, Inc., 9.00%, 3/15/28 (144A) | $ 388,495 | ||||
Total Aerospace & Defense | $388,495 | |||||
Agriculture — 1.0% | ||||||
1,550,000 | Frigorifico Concepcion S.A., 7.70%, 7/21/28 (144A) | $ 1,256,394 | ||||
Total Agriculture | $1,256,394 | |||||
Airlines — 3.0% | ||||||
1,636,537(d) | ABRA Global Finance, 11.50% (5.50% PIK or 6.00% Cash), 3/2/28 (144A) | $ 1,257,566 | ||||
204,750 | American Airlines 2021-1 Class B Pass Through Trust, 3.95%, 7/11/30 | 175,710 | ||||
420,000 | Azul Secured Finance LLP, 11.93%, 8/28/28 (144A) | 408,082 | ||||
1,000,000 | Grupo Aeromexico SAB de CV, 8.50%, 3/17/27 (144A) | 927,669 | ||||
1,000,000 | VistaJet Malta Finance Plc/Vista Management Holding, Inc., 6.375%, 2/1/30 (144A) | 666,892 | ||||
585,000 | VistaJet Malta Finance Plc/Vista Management Holding, Inc., 7.875%, 5/1/27 (144A) | 449,912 | ||||
Total Airlines | $3,885,831 | |||||
Auto Manufacturers — 1.2% | ||||||
440,000 | Ford Motor Co., 5.291%, 12/8/46 | $ 319,662 | ||||
325,000 | Ford Motor Co., 6.10%, 8/19/32 | 300,608 | ||||
300,000 | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 3.625%, 6/17/31 | 237,000 | ||||
845,000 | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, 4.125%, 8/17/27 | 767,182 | ||||
Total Auto Manufacturers | $1,624,452 | |||||
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Auto Parts & Equipment — 1.4% | ||||||
EUR 600,000 | Dana Financing Luxembourg S.a.r.l., 8.50%, 7/15/31 (144A) | $ 647,557 | ||||
600,000 | Dealer Tire LLC/DT Issuer LLC, 8.00%, 2/1/28 (144A) | 562,779 | ||||
EUR 615,000(d) | IHO Verwaltungs GmbH, 8.75% (9.50% PIK or 8.75% Cash), 5/15/28 (144A) | 669,525 | ||||
Total Auto Parts & Equipment | $1,879,861 | |||||
Banks — 2.0% | ||||||
700,000 | Akbank TAS, 5.125%, 3/31/25 | $ 673,064 | ||||
120,000 | Akbank TAS, 6.80%, 2/6/26 (144A) | 116,310 | ||||
830,000(e) | Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM, 7.129% (5 Year CMT Index + 347 bps), 7/18/33 (144A) | 738,700 | ||||
300,000 | Freedom Mortgage Corp., 12.25%, 10/1/30 (144A) | 300,098 | ||||
1,030,000(e) | Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A., 4.198% (1 Year CMT Index + 260 bps), 6/1/32 (144A) | 732,117 | ||||
1,025,000(e)(f)(g)# | Sovcombank Via SovCom Capital DAC, 7.60% (5 Year CMT Index + 636 bps) (144A) | 37,028 | ||||
750,000(e)(f)(g)# | Sovcombank Via SovCom Capital DAC, 7.75% (5 Year CMT Index + 638 bps) (144A) | 21,094 | ||||
Total Banks | $2,618,411 | |||||
Biotechnology — 0.9% | ||||||
EUR 1,000,000 | Cidron Aida Finco S.a.r.l., 5.00%, 4/1/28 (144A) | $ 947,000 | ||||
GBP 220,000 | Cidron Aida Finco S.a.r.l., 6.25%, 4/1/28 (144A) | 234,308 | ||||
Total Biotechnology | $1,181,308 | |||||
Building Materials — 2.4% | ||||||
965,000 | AmeriTex HoldCo Intermediate LLC, 10.25%, 10/15/28 (144A) | $ 912,407 | ||||
555,000 | Camelot Return Merger Sub, Inc., 8.75%, 8/1/28 (144A) | 518,220 | ||||
EUR 885,000 | HT Troplast GmbH, 9.375%, 7/15/28 (144A) | 908,274 | ||||
490,000 | Knife River Corp., 7.75%, 5/1/31 (144A) | 488,174 | ||||
328,000 | MIWD Holdco II LLC/MIWD Finance Corp., 5.50%, 2/1/30 (144A) | 260,350 | ||||
Total Building Materials | $3,087,425 | |||||
Chemicals — 3.7% | ||||||
809,000 | Mativ Holdings, Inc., 6.875%, 10/1/26 (144A) | $ 728,100 | ||||
EUR 580,000 | Olympus Water US Holding Corp., 9.625%, 11/15/28 (144A) | 608,475 | ||||
980,000 | Olympus Water US Holding Corp., 9.75%, 11/15/28 (144A) | 957,167 | ||||
895,000 | Rain Carbon, Inc., 12.25%, 9/1/29 (144A) | 910,663 |
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Chemicals — (continued) | ||||||
EUR 445,000 | SCIL IV LLC/SCIL USA Holdings LLC, 4.375%, 11/1/26 (144A) | $ 433,775 | ||||
515,000 | SCIL IV LLC/SCIL USA Holdings LLC, 5.375%, 11/1/26 (144A) | 456,818 | ||||
EUR 410,000 | SCIL IV LLC/SCIL USA Holdings LLC, 9.50%, 7/15/28 (144A) | 438,684 | ||||
348,000 | Tronox, Inc., 4.625%, 3/15/29 (144A) | 274,131 | ||||
Total Chemicals | $4,807,813 | |||||
Commercial Services — 4.6% | ||||||
960,000 | Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance Corp., 9.75%, 7/15/27 (144A) | $ 833,881 | ||||
400,000 | Allied Universal Holdco LLC/Allied Universal Finance Corp./Atlas Luxco 4 S.a.r.l., 4.625%, 6/1/28 (144A) | 327,164 | ||||
175,000(g) | Atento Luxco 1 S.A., 8.00%, 2/10/26 (144A) | 17 | ||||
515,680(d) + | Atento Luxco 1 S.A., 20.00% (10.00% PIK or 10.00% Cash), 2/17/25 (144A) | 515,680 | ||||
945,369(d) + | Atento Luxco 1 S.A., 20.00% (20.00% PIK), 2/17/25 (144A) | 5,805 | ||||
EUR 375,000 | Avis Budget Finance Plc, 7.25%, 7/31/30 (144A) | 387,492 | ||||
1,232,000 | Garda World Security Corp., 6.00%, 6/1/29 (144A) | 939,170 | ||||
750,000 | Garda World Security Corp., 9.50%, 11/1/27 (144A) | 681,523 | ||||
EUR 470,000 | IPD 3 BV, 8.00%, 6/15/28 (144A) | 500,910 | ||||
675,000 | Neptune Bidco US, Inc., 9.29%, 4/15/29 (144A) | 595,720 | ||||
805,000 | Prime Security Services Borrower LLC/Prime Finance, Inc., 6.25%, 1/15/28 (144A) | 746,479 | ||||
525,000 | Sotheby's, 7.375%, 10/15/27 (144A) | 468,870 | ||||
Total Commercial Services | $6,002,711 | |||||
Cosmetics/Personal Care — 0.6% | ||||||
EUR 705,000 | Coty, Inc., 5.75%, 9/15/28 (144A) | $ 750,399 | ||||
Total Cosmetics/Personal Care | $750,399 | |||||
Distribution/Wholesale — 0.4% | ||||||
555,000 | Windsor Holdings III LLC, 8.50%, 6/15/30 (144A) | $ 540,274 | ||||
Total Distribution/Wholesale | $540,274 | |||||
Diversified Financial Services — 8.5% | ||||||
1,765,000 | ASG Finance Designated Activity Co., 7.875%, 12/3/24 (144A) | $ 1,707,638 |
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Diversified Financial Services — (continued) | ||||||
416,628(d) | Avation Capital S.A., 8.25% (9.00% PIK or 8.25% Cash), 10/31/26 (144A) | $ 355,175 | ||||
890,000 | B3 SA - Brasil Bolsa Balcao, 4.125%, 9/20/31 (144A) | 725,473 | ||||
700,000(g) | Credito Real SAB de CV SOFOM ER, 8.00%, 1/21/28 (144A) | 80,500 | ||||
EUR 300,000 | Garfunkelux Holdco 3 S.A., 6.75%, 11/1/25 (144A) | 237,973 | ||||
GBP 510,000 | Garfunkelux Holdco 3 S.A., 7.75%, 11/1/25 (144A) | 456,752 | ||||
765,000 | GGAM Finance, Ltd., 8.00%, 6/15/28 (144A) | 752,523 | ||||
1,424,306(d) | Global Aircraft Leasing Co., Ltd., 6.50% (7.25% PIK or 6.50% Cash), 9/15/24 (144A) | 1,287,167 | ||||
EUR 935,000 | Intrum AB, 9.25%, 3/15/28 (144A) | 844,783 | ||||
430,000 | Jefferies Finance LLC/JFIN Co.-Issuer Corp., 5.00%, 8/15/28 (144A) | 343,177 | ||||
605,000 | OneMain Finance Corp., 9.00%, 1/15/29 | 588,763 | ||||
997,000 | Provident Funding Associates LP/PFG Finance Corp., 6.375%, 6/15/25 (144A) | 887,330 | ||||
EUR 360,000 | Sherwood Financing Plc, 4.50%, 11/15/26 | 327,755 | ||||
GBP 960,000 | Sherwood Financing Plc, 6.00%, 11/15/26 (144A) | 968,471 | ||||
1,066,000(g) | Unifin Financiera SAB de CV, 8.375%, 1/27/28 (144A) | 21,378 | ||||
599,000 | United Wholesale Mortgage LLC, 5.50%, 4/15/29 (144A) | 501,663 | ||||
1,020,000 | United Wholesale Mortgage LLC, 5.75%, 6/15/27 (144A) | 928,129 | ||||
Total Diversified Financial Services | $11,014,650 | |||||
Electric — 2.8% | ||||||
610,000 | Clearway Energy Operating LLC, 3.75%, 2/15/31 (144A) | $ 475,647 | ||||
EUR 280,000 | ContourGlobal Power Holdings S.A., 3.125%, 1/1/28 (144A) | 239,616 | ||||
945,000 | Pampa Energia S.A., 7.50%, 1/24/27 (144A) | 879,004 | ||||
445,000 | Talen Energy Supply LLC, 8.625%, 6/1/30 (144A) | 452,169 | ||||
350,000 | Vistra Operations Co. LLC, 4.375%, 5/1/29 (144A) | 297,288 |
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Electric — (continued) | ||||||
175,000 | Vistra Operations Co. LLC, 6.95%, 10/15/33 (144A) | $ 166,685 | ||||
1,130,000 | Vistra Operations Co. LLC, 7.75%, 10/15/31 (144A) | 1,090,698 | ||||
Total Electric | $3,601,107 | |||||
Electrical Components & Equipments — 0.4% | ||||||
EUR 675,000 | Energizer Gamma Acquisition BV, 3.50%, 6/30/29 (144A) | $ 560,816 | ||||
Total Electrical Components & Equipments | $560,816 | |||||
Energy-Alternate Sources — 0.2% | ||||||
291,105(d) | SCC Power Plc, 4.00% (4.00% PIK or 4.00% Cash), 5/17/32 (144A) | $ 35,718 | ||||
537,426(d) | SCC Power Plc, 8.00% (4.00% PIK or 4.00% Cash or 8.00% Cash), 12/31/28 (144A) | 200,299 | ||||
Total Energy-Alternate Sources | $236,017 | |||||
Engineering & Construction — 0.3% | ||||||
280,000 | IHS Holding, Ltd., 5.625%, 11/29/26 (144A) | $ 225,313 | ||||
275,000 | IHS Holding, Ltd., 6.25%, 11/29/28 (144A) | 202,285 | ||||
Total Engineering & Construction | $427,598 | |||||
Entertainment — 1.7% | ||||||
EUR 320,000 | Allwyn Entertainment Financing UK Plc, 7.25%, 4/30/30 (144A) | $ 336,561 | ||||
200,000 | Allwyn Entertainment Financing UK Plc, 7.875%, 4/30/29 (144A) | 197,100 | ||||
780,000 | Banijay Entertainment SASU, 8.125%, 5/1/29 (144A) | 760,490 | ||||
EUR 160,000 | Cirsa Finance International S.a.r.l., 10.375%, 11/30/27 (144A) | 180,300 | ||||
140,000 | Light & Wonder International, Inc., 7.50%, 9/1/31 (144A) | 136,700 | ||||
604,000 | Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, 8.00%, 2/1/26 (144A) | 554,925 | ||||
Total Entertainment | $2,166,076 | |||||
Environmental Control — 1.0% | ||||||
880,000 | GFL Environmental, Inc., 4.375%, 8/15/29 (144A) | $ 750,467 | ||||
473,000 | Tervita Corp., 11.00%, 12/1/25 (144A) | 491,906 | ||||
Total Environmental Control | $1,242,373 | |||||
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Food — 1.1% | ||||||
408,000 | Albertsons Cos., Inc./Safeway, Inc./New Albertsons LP/Albertsons LLC, 6.50%, 2/15/28 (144A) | $ 400,572 | ||||
710,000 | Aragvi Finance International DAC, 8.45%, 4/29/26 (144A) | 481,110 | ||||
EUR 655,000 | Quatrim SAS, 5.875%, 1/15/24 (144A) | 594,122 | ||||
Total Food | $1,475,804 | |||||
Healthcare-Services — 0.4% | ||||||
855,000 | LifePoint Health, Inc., 5.375%, 1/15/29 (144A) | $ 518,000 | ||||
Total Healthcare-Services | $518,000 | |||||
Home Builders — 0.1% | ||||||
155,000 | Beazer Homes USA, Inc., 7.25%, 10/15/29 | $ 141,407 | ||||
Total Home Builders | $141,407 | |||||
Household Products/Wares — 0.3% | ||||||
417,000 | Spectrum Brands, Inc., 3.875%, 3/15/31 (144A) | $ 333,784 | ||||
Total Household Products/Wares | $333,784 | |||||
Insurance — 0.3% | ||||||
GBP 382,000 | Galaxy Bidco, Ltd., 6.50%, 7/31/26 (144A) | $ 428,319 | ||||
Total Insurance | $428,319 | |||||
Iron & Steel — 0.2% | ||||||
36,000 | ATI, Inc., 7.25%, 8/15/30 | $ 34,657 | ||||
336,000 | Metinvest BV, 7.75%, 10/17/29 (144A) | 199,080 | ||||
Total Iron & Steel | $233,737 | |||||
Leisure Time — 3.7% | ||||||
120,000 | Carnival Holdings Bermuda, Ltd., 10.375%, 5/1/28 (144A) | $ 127,946 | ||||
EUR 385,000 | Carnival Plc, 1.00%, 10/28/29 | 248,495 | ||||
780,000 | NCL Corp., Ltd., 5.875%, 3/15/26 (144A) | 700,050 | ||||
290,000 | NCL Corp., Ltd., 7.75%, 2/15/29 (144A) | 253,109 | ||||
560,000 | NCL Corp., Ltd., 8.125%, 1/15/29 (144A) | 547,116 | ||||
220,000 | NCL Finance, Ltd., 6.125%, 3/15/28 (144A) | 183,972 | ||||
EUR 690,000 | Pinnacle Bidco Plc, 8.25%, 10/11/28 (144A) | 706,434 | ||||
105,000 | Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., 7.25%, 1/15/30 (144A) | 103,580 | ||||
665,000 | Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., 11.625%, 8/15/27 (144A) | 721,236 |
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Leisure Time — (continued) | ||||||
817,000 | Viking Cruises, Ltd., 5.875%, 9/15/27 (144A) | $ 736,035 | ||||
520,000 | Viking Ocean Cruises Ship VII, Ltd., 5.625%, 2/15/29 (144A) | 460,850 | ||||
Total Leisure Time | $4,788,823 | |||||
Lodging — 1.8% | ||||||
1,598,981(h) | Grupo Posadas S.A.B de CV, 5.00%, 12/30/27 (144A) | $ 1,347,142 | ||||
670,000 | Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower Escrow LLC/Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower Esc, 5.00%, 6/1/29 (144A) | 561,123 | ||||
EUR 430,000 | NH Hotel Group S.A., 4.00%, 7/2/26 (144A) | 432,120 | ||||
Total Lodging | $2,340,385 | |||||
Media — 2.8% | ||||||
1,450,000 | CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 4.75%, 2/1/32 (144A) | $ 1,131,812 | ||||
190,000 | CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 7.375%, 3/1/31 (144A) | 179,554 | ||||
1,000,000 | CSC Holdings LLC, 4.625%, 12/1/30 (144A) | 507,122 | ||||
400,000 | CSC Holdings LLC, 5.00%, 11/15/31 (144A) | 204,536 | ||||
1,175,000 | McGraw-Hill Education, Inc., 8.00%, 8/1/29 (144A) | 968,153 | ||||
EUR 855,000 | Ziggo Bond Co. BV, 3.375%, 2/28/30 (144A) | 666,067 | ||||
Total Media | $3,657,244 | |||||
Mining — 3.4% | ||||||
730,000 | Coeur Mining, Inc., 5.125%, 2/15/29 (144A) | $ 607,725 | ||||
EUR 609,000 | Constellium SE, 3.125%, 7/15/29 (144A) | 530,894 | ||||
EUR 850,000 | Constellium SE, 3.125%, 7/15/29 | 740,985 | ||||
655,000 | Eldorado Gold Corp., 6.25%, 9/1/29 (144A) | 561,656 | ||||
665,000 | First Quantum Minerals, Ltd., 6.875%, 10/15/27 (144A) | 566,398 | ||||
880,000 | First Quantum Minerals, Ltd., 8.625%, 6/1/31 (144A) | 742,809 | ||||
811,000 | IAMGOLD Corp., 5.75%, 10/15/28 (144A) | 638,849 | ||||
Total Mining | $4,389,316 | |||||
Oil & Gas — 12.1% | ||||||
920,000 | Baytex Energy Corp., 8.50%, 4/30/30 (144A) | $ 911,211 | ||||
315,000(i) | Borr IHC, Ltd./Borr Finance LLC, 10.00%, 11/15/28 (144A) | 313,498 | ||||
225,000(i) | Borr IHC, Ltd./Borr Finance LLC, 10.375%, 11/15/30 (144A) | 223,087 | ||||
385,000 | CITGO Petroleum Corp., 8.375%, 1/15/29 (144A) | 381,289 |
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Oil & Gas — (continued) | ||||||
510,000 | Civitas Resources, Inc., 8.375%, 7/1/28 (144A) | $ 513,142 | ||||
310,000 | Civitas Resources, Inc., 8.625%, 11/1/30 (144A) | 315,526 | ||||
510,000 | Civitas Resources, Inc., 8.75%, 7/1/31 (144A) | 514,726 | ||||
695,000 | Ecopetrol S.A., 8.875%, 1/13/33 | 667,479 | ||||
1,382,000 | Energean Plc, 6.50%, 4/30/27 (144A) | 1,149,686 | ||||
570,000 | Harbour Energy Plc, 5.50%, 10/15/26 (144A) | 527,998 | ||||
305,000 | Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co., 6.00%, 4/15/30 (144A) | 270,773 | ||||
305,000 | Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co., 6.25%, 4/15/32 (144A) | 266,357 | ||||
854,000 | International Petroleum Corp., 7.25%, 2/1/27 (144A) | 790,377 | ||||
485,000 | Kosmos Energy, Ltd., 7.75%, 5/1/27 (144A) | 435,780 | ||||
1,098,628 | MC Brazil Downstream Trading S.a.r.l, 7.25%, 6/30/31 (144A) | 781,674 | ||||
365,000 | Nabors Industries, Ltd., 7.50%, 1/15/28 (144A) | 322,368 | ||||
381,000 | Neptune Energy Bondco Plc, 6.625%, 5/15/25 (144A) | 377,161 | ||||
575,000 | Petroleos Mexicanos, 6.70%, 2/16/32 | 423,957 | ||||
440,000 | Seadrill Finance, Ltd., 8.375%, 8/1/30 (144A) | 440,141 | ||||
930,000 | Shelf Drilling Holdings, Ltd., 9.625%, 4/15/29 (144A) | 884,219 | ||||
1,135,000 | SierraCol Energy Andina LLC, 6.00%, 6/15/28 (144A) | 878,616 | ||||
835,000 | Southwestern Energy Co., 5.375%, 3/15/30 | 765,901 | ||||
380,000 | Transocean, Inc., 8.75%, 2/15/30 (144A) | 378,879 | ||||
130,000 | Transocean Titan Financing, Ltd., 8.375%, 2/1/28 (144A) | 130,526 | ||||
1,665,000 | Tullow Oil Plc, 10.25%, 5/15/26 (144A) | 1,430,235 | ||||
735,000 | Valaris, Ltd., 8.375%, 4/30/30 (144A) | 721,219 | ||||
1,240,000 | YPF S.A., 6.95%, 7/21/27 (144A) | 937,162 | ||||
Total Oil & Gas | $15,752,987 | |||||
Oil & Gas Services — 0.5% | ||||||
680,000 | Enerflex, Ltd., 9.00%, 10/15/27 (144A) | $ 618,800 | ||||
Total Oil & Gas Services | $618,800 | |||||
Packaging & Containers — 0.6% | ||||||
EUR 205,000 | OI European Group BV, 6.25%, 5/15/28 (144A) | $ 214,228 | ||||
580,000 | Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., 7.25%, 5/15/31 (144A) | 530,700 | ||||
Total Packaging & Containers | $744,928 | |||||
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Pharmaceuticals — 2.5% | ||||||
EUR 970,000 | Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH, 7.50%, 5/15/30 (144A) | $ 1,021,492 | ||||
840,000 | Owens & Minor, Inc., 6.625%, 4/1/30 (144A) | 734,030 | ||||
875,000 | P&L Development LLC/PLD Finance Corp., 7.75%, 11/15/25 (144A) | 587,737 | ||||
808,000 | Par Pharmaceutical, Inc., 7.50%, 4/1/27 (144A) | 547,913 | ||||
EUR 360,000 | Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands II BV, 4.375%, 5/9/30 | 324,396 | ||||
523,000 + | Tricida, Inc., 3.50%, 5/15/27 | — | ||||
523,000 + | Tricida, Inc., 3.50%, 5/15/27 | — | ||||
Total Pharmaceuticals | $3,215,568 | |||||
Pipelines — 4.5% | ||||||
893,274 | Acu Petroleo Luxembourg S.a.r.l., 7.50%, 1/13/32 (144A) | $ 806,139 | ||||
665,000 | Crestwood Midstream Partners LP/Crestwood Midstream Finance Corp., 7.375%, 2/1/31 (144A) | 670,327 | ||||
1,092,000 | Delek Logistics Partners LP/Delek Logistics Finance Corp., 6.75%, 5/15/25 | 1,073,833 | ||||
890,000(e)(f) | Energy Transfer LP, 7.125% (5 Year CMT Index + 531 bps) | 739,081 | ||||
440,000 | EnLink Midstream LLC, 6.50%, 9/1/30 (144A) | 422,342 | ||||
665,000 | EnLink Midstream Partners LP, 5.45%, 6/1/47 | 499,887 | ||||
790,000 | Harvest Midstream I LP, 7.50%, 9/1/28 (144A) | 748,567 | ||||
310,000 | Venture Global LNG, Inc., 8.125%, 6/1/28 (144A) | 300,954 | ||||
575,000 | Venture Global LNG, Inc., 8.375%, 6/1/31 (144A) | 548,697 | ||||
Total Pipelines | $5,809,827 | |||||
REITs — 2.2% | ||||||
1,040,000 | Iron Mountain, Inc., 7.00%, 2/15/29 (144A) | $ 1,007,501 | ||||
1,025,000 | MPT Operating Partnership LP/MPT Finance Corp., 3.50%, 3/15/31 | 621,409 | ||||
958,000 | Uniti Group LP/Uniti Fiber Holdings, Inc./CSL Capital LLC, 6.00%, 1/15/30 (144A) | 580,819 | ||||
780,000 | Uniti Group LP/Uniti Group Finance, Inc./CSL Capital LLC, 6.50%, 2/15/29 (144A) | 506,538 | ||||
115,000 | Uniti Group LP/Uniti Group Finance, Inc./CSL Capital LLC, 10.50%, 2/15/28 (144A) | 110,740 | ||||
Total REITs | $2,827,007 | |||||
Retail — 1.9% | ||||||
610,000 | Brinker International, Inc., 8.25%, 7/15/30 (144A) | $ 589,827 |
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Retail — (continued) | ||||||
EUR 605,000 | Food Service Project S.A., 5.50%, 1/21/27 (144A) | $ 609,804 | ||||
EUR 960,000 | Shiba Bidco S.p.A., 4.50%, 10/31/28 (144A) | 909,881 | ||||
490,000 | Staples, Inc., 7.50%, 4/15/26 (144A) | 399,690 | ||||
Total Retail | $2,509,202 | |||||
Software — 0.5% | ||||||
865,000 | AthenaHealth Group, Inc., 6.50%, 2/15/30 (144A) | $ 706,918 | ||||
Total Software | $706,918 | |||||
Telecommunications — 3.1% | ||||||
1,065,000 | Altice France Holding S.A., 6.00%, 2/15/28 (144A) | $ 467,062 | ||||
280,000 | Altice France S.A., 5.125%, 1/15/29 (144A) | 193,243 | ||||
1,165,000 | Altice France S.A., 5.125%, 7/15/29 (144A) | 797,631 | ||||
844,000 | CommScope, Inc., 4.75%, 9/1/29 (144A) | 576,030 | ||||
442,000 | Level 3 Financing, Inc., 10.50%, 5/15/30 (144A) | 442,346 | ||||
440,000 | Total Play Telecomunicaciones SA de CV, 6.375%, 9/20/28 (144A) | 210,689 | ||||
885,000 | Total Play Telecomunicaciones SA de CV, 7.50%, 11/12/25 (144A) | 638,869 | ||||
970,000 | Windstream Escrow LLC/Windstream Escrow Finance Corp., 7.75%, 8/15/28 (144A) | 769,197 | ||||
Total Telecommunications | $4,095,067 | |||||
Transportation — 1.9% | ||||||
1,485,000 | Carriage Purchaser, Inc., 7.875%, 10/15/29 (144A) | $ 1,092,476 | ||||
620,000 | Hidrovias International Finance SARL, 4.95%, 2/8/31 (144A) | 478,027 | ||||
445,000 | Seaspan Corp., 5.50%, 8/1/29 (144A) | 341,386 | ||||
765,000 | Simpar Europe S.A., 5.20%, 1/26/31 (144A) | 596,700 | ||||
1,285,000(g) | Western Global Airlines LLC, 10.375%, 8/15/25 (144A) | 9,637 | ||||
Total Transportation | $2,518,226 | |||||
Water — 0.5% | ||||||
760,000 | Aegea Finance S.a.r.l., 6.75%, 5/20/29 (144A) | $ 695,513 | ||||
Total Water | $695,513 | |||||
Total
Corporate Bonds (Cost $127,229,177) |
$105,614,420 | |||||
Shares | Value | |||||
Right/Warrant — 0.0%† of Net Assets | ||||||
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.0%† | ||||||
GBP 7,000(a)(j) | Avation Plc, 1/1/59 | $ 2,552 | ||||
Total Trading Companies & Distributors | $2,552 | |||||
Total
Right/Warrant (Cost $—) |
$2,552 | |||||
Face
Amount USD ($) |
||||||
Insurance-Linked
Securities — 0.0%† of Net Assets# |
||||||
Collateralized Reinsurance — 0.0%† | ||||||
Multiperil – Worldwide — 0.0%† | ||||||
600,000(a)(k) + | Cypress Re 2017, 1/31/24 | $ 60 | ||||
Windstorm – Florida — 0.0%† | ||||||
250,000(a)(k) + | Formby Re 2018, 2/29/24 | $ — | ||||
300,000(a)(k) + | Portrush Re 2017, 6/15/24 | 30 | ||||
$ 30 | ||||||
Total Collateralized Reinsurance | $90 | |||||
Reinsurance Sidecars — 0.0%† | ||||||
Multiperil – U.S. — 0.0%† | ||||||
1,000,000(a)(l) + | Harambee Re 2018, 12/31/24 | $ — | ||||
695,349(l) + | Harambee Re 2019, 12/31/24 | 904 | ||||
$ 904 | ||||||
Multiperil – Worldwide — 0.0%† | ||||||
231,508(a)(l) + | Lorenz Re 2019, 6/30/24 | $ 2,269 | ||||
600,000(k) + | Merion Re 2018-2, 12/31/24 | 29,990 | ||||
250,000(l) + | Thopas Re 2019, 12/31/24 | 3,450 | ||||
250,000(a)(l) + | Viribus Re 2018, 12/31/24 | — | ||||
106,153(a)(l) + | Viribus Re 2019, 12/31/24 | 329 | ||||
$ 36,038 | ||||||
Total Reinsurance Sidecars | $36,942 | |||||
Total
Insurance-Linked Securities (Cost $297,927) |
$37,032 | |||||
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
Foreign
Government Bonds — 3.3% of Net Assets |
||||||
Angola — 0.5% | ||||||
875,000 | Angolan Government International Bond, 8.750%, 4/14/32 (144A) | $ 679,977 | ||||
Total Angola | $679,977 | |||||
Argentina — 0.5% | ||||||
705,000 | Ciudad Autonoma De Buenos Aires, 7.500%, 6/1/27 (144A) | $ 645,075 | ||||
Total Argentina | $645,075 | |||||
Egypt — 0.5% | ||||||
1,095,000 | Egypt Government International Bond, 5.875%, 2/16/31 (144A) | $ 597,826 | ||||
Total Egypt | $597,826 | |||||
Ghana — 0.4% | ||||||
385,000(g) | Ghana Government International Bond, 7.875%, 2/11/35 (144A) | $ 164,187 | ||||
1,000,000(g) | Ghana Government International Bond, 8.627%, 6/16/49 | 412,650 | ||||
Total Ghana | $576,837 | |||||
Ivory Coast — 0.5% | ||||||
EUR 842,000 | Ivory Coast Government International Bond, 4.875%, 1/30/32 (144A) | $ 671,531 | ||||
Total Ivory Coast | $671,531 | |||||
Turkey — 0.6% | ||||||
720,000 | Turkey Government International Bond, 9.375%, 1/19/33 | $ 721,224 | ||||
Total Turkey | $721,224 | |||||
Ukraine — 0.3% | ||||||
EUR 855,000(g) | Ukraine Government International Bond, 4.375%, 1/27/32 (144A) | $ 201,743 | ||||
625,000(g) | Ukraine Government International Bond, 8.994%, 2/1/26 (144A) | 190,750 | ||||
Total Ukraine | $392,493 | |||||
Total
Foreign Government Bonds (Cost $7,396,894) |
$4,284,963 | |||||
Principal
Amount USD ($) |
Value | |||||
U.S.
Government and Agency Obligations — 5.1% of Net Assets |
||||||
2,700,000(c) | U.S. Treasury Bills, 11/9/23 | $ 2,696,823 | ||||
4,000,000(c) | U.S. Treasury Bills, 11/21/23 | 3,988,236 | ||||
Total
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations (Cost $6,685,062) |
$6,685,059 | |||||
Shares | ||||||
SHORT
TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.6% of Net Assets |
||||||
Open-End Fund — 1.6% | ||||||
2,082,074(m) | Dreyfus
Government Cash Management, Institutional Shares, 5.23% |
$ 2,082,074 | ||||
$ 2,082,074 | ||||||
TOTAL
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $2,082,074) |
$2,082,074 | |||||
Number
of Contracts |
Description | Counterparty | Amount | Strike
Price |
Expiration
Date |
|
Over The Counter (OTC) Currency Put Option Purchased — 0.0%† | ||||||
4,500,000 | Put EUR Call USD | Citibank NA | EUR 94,758 | EUR 1.02 | 11/28/23 | $ 1,008 |
Total
Over The Counter (OTC) Currency Put Option Purchased (Premiums paid $ 94,758) |
$ 1,008 | |||||
TOTAL
OPTIONS PURCHASED (Premiums paid $ 94,758) |
$ 1,008 | |||||
TOTAL
INVESTMENTS IN UNAFFILIATED ISSUERS — 95.1% (Cost $150,312,879) |
$123,744,045 | |||||
Over The Counter (OTC) Currency Call Option Written — (0.0)%† | ||||||
(4,500,000) | Call EUR Put USD | Citibank NA | EUR 94,758 | EUR 1.10 | 11/28/23 | $ (729) |
Total
Over The Counter (OTC) Currency Call Option Written (Premiums received $94,758) |
$ (729) | |||||
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 4.9% | $ 6,403,389 | |||||
net assets — 100.0% | $130,146,705 | |||||
bps | Basis Points. |
CMT | Constant Maturity Treasury Index. |
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust. |
SOFR | Secured Overnight Financing Rate. |
(144A) | The resale of such security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. Such securities may be resold normally to qualified institutional buyers. At October 31, 2023, the value of these securities amounted to $99,590,429, or 76.5% of net assets. |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Floating rate note. Coupon rate, reference index and spread shown at October 31, 2023. |
(c) | Security issued with a zero coupon. Income is recognized through accretion of discount. |
(d) | Payment-in-kind (PIK) security which may pay interest in the form of additional principal amount. |
(e) | The interest rate is subject to change periodically. The interest rate and/or reference index and spread shown at October 31, 2023. |
(f) | Security is perpetual in nature and has no stated maturity date. |
(g) | Security is in default. |
(h) | Debt obligation initially issued at one coupon which converts to a higher coupon at a specific date. The rate shown is the rate at October 31, 2023. |
(i) | Securities purchased on a when-issued basis. Rates do not take effect until settlement date. |
(j) | Avation Plc, 1/1/59 warrants are exercisable into 7,000 shares. |
(k) | Issued as participation notes. |
(l) | Issued as preference shares. |
(m) | Rate periodically changes. Rate disclosed is the 7-day yield at October 31, 2023. |
+ | Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). |
† | Amount rounds to less than 0.1%. |
# | Securities are restricted as to resale. |
Restricted Securities | Acquisition date | Cost | Value |
Cypress Re 2017 | 1/24/2017 | $ 2,017 | $ 60 |
Formby Re 2018 | 7/9/2018 | 776 | — |
Harambee Re 2018 | 12/19/2017 | 21,232 | — |
Harambee Re 2019 | 4/24/2019 | — | 904 |
Lorenz Re 2019 | 7/10/2019 | 38,526 | 2,269 |
Merion Re 2018-2 | 12/28/2017 | — | 29,990 |
Portrush Re 2017 | 6/12/2017 | 230,096 | 30 |
Sovcombank Via SovCom Capital DAC | 1/30/2020 | 750,000 | 21,094 |
Sovcombank Via SovCom Capital DAC | 11/10/2021 | 1,025,000 | 37,028 |
Thopas Re 2019 | 12/21/2018 | — | 3,450 |
Viribus Re 2018 | 12/22/2017 | 5,280 | — |
Viribus Re 2019 | 3/25/2019 | — | 329 |
Total Restricted Securities | $95,154 | ||
% of Net assets | 0.1% |
Currency
Purchased |
In
Exchange for |
Currency
Sold |
Deliver | Counterparty | Settlement
Date |
Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation) |
EUR | 6,900,000 | USD | 7,348,769 | State Street Bank & Trust Co. | 11/21/23 | $(41,401) |
USD | 2,048,194 | GBP | 1,675,000 | State Street Bank & Trust Co. | 11/21/23 | 12,054 |
TOTAL FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS | $ (29,347) |
Notional
Amount ($)(1) |
Reference
Obligation/Index |
Pay/
Receive(2) |
Annual
Fixed Rate |
Expiration
Date |
Premiums
(Received) |
Unrealized
Appreciation |
Market
Value | |
5,430,000 | Markit CDX North America High Yield Index Series 41 | Pay | 5.00% | 12/20/28 | $(51,360) | $52,239 | $879 | |
TOTAL
CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP CONTRACTS – BUY PROTECTION |
$ (51,360) | $ 52,239 | $ 879 |
(1) | The notional amount is the maximum amount that a seller of credit protection would be obligated to pay upon occurrence of a credit event. |
(2) | Pays quarterly. |
EUR | — Euro |
GBP | — Great British Pound |
IDR | — Indonesian Rupiah |
USD | — United States Dollar |
Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of value over tax cost | $ 1,233,707 |
Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of tax cost over value | (28,351,375) |
Net unrealized depreciation | $(27,117,668) |
Level 1 | – | unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. |
Level 2 | – | other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.). See Notes to Financial Statements — Note 1A. |
Level 3 | – | significant unobservable inputs (including the Adviser's own assumptions in determining fair value of investments). See Notes to Financial Statements — Note 1A. |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |
Common Stocks | ||||
Automobile Components | $ — | $ 573,515 | $ — | $ 573,515 |
Paper & Forest Products | — | —* | — | —* |
Passenger Airlines | — | — | 450,474 | 450,474 |
All Other Common Stocks | 14,570 | — | — | 14,570 |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | — | 114,675 | — | 114,675 |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Security | — | 303,651 | — | 303,651 |
Convertible Corporate Bonds | — | 3,580,052 | — | 3,580,052 |
Corporate Bonds | ||||
Commercial Services | — | 5,481,226 | 521,485 | 6,002,711 |
Pharmaceuticals | — | 3,215,568 | —* | 3,215,568 |
All Other Corporate Bonds | — | 96,396,141 | — | 96,396,141 |
Right/Warrant | 2,552 | — | — | 2,552 |
Insurance-Linked Securities | ||||
Collateralized Reinsurance | ||||
Multiperil – Worldwide | — | — | 60 | 60 |
Windstorm – Florida | — | — | 30 | 30 |
Reinsurance Sidecars | ||||
Multiperil – U.S. | — | — | 904 | 904 |
Multiperil – Worldwide | — | — | 36,038 | 36,038 |
Foreign Government Bonds | — | 4,284,963 | — | 4,284,963 |
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations | — | 6,685,059 | — | 6,685,059 |
Open-End Fund | 2,082,074 | — | — | 2,082,074 |
Over The Counter (OTC) Currency Put Option Purchased | — | 1,008 | — | 1,008 |
Total Investments in Securities | $ 2,099,196 | $120,635,858 | $1,008,991 | $123,744,045 |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |
Other Financial Instruments | ||||
Over The Counter (OTC) Currency Call Option Written | $ — | $ (729) | $ — | $ (729) |
Net unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | — | (29,347) | — | (29,347) |
Swap contracts, at value | — | 879 | — | 879 |
Total Other Financial Instruments | $ — | $ (29,197) | $ — | $ (29,197) |
* | Securities valued at $0. |
ASSETS: | |
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $150,312,879) | $ 123,744,045 |
Cash | 25,316 |
Foreign currencies, at value (cost $4,885,714) | 4,788,431 |
Swaps collateral | 287,327 |
Swap contracts, at value (premiums received $51,360) | 879 |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 12,054 |
Receivables — | |
Fund shares sold | 26,893 |
Interest | 2,389,551 |
Due from the Adviser | 7,213 |
Other assets | 5,290 |
Total assets | $ 131,286,999 |
LIABILITIES: | |
Payables — | |
Investment securities purchased | $ 526,162 |
Fund shares repurchased | 307,304 |
Distributions | 71,660 |
Trustees' fees | 666 |
Professional fees | 72,305 |
Transfer agent fees | 20,909 |
Printing fees | 16,034 |
Variation margin for centrally cleared swap contracts | 13,919 |
Written options outstanding (premiums received $94,758) | 729 |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 41,401 |
Management fees | 12,450 |
Administrative expenses | 7,628 |
Distribution fees | 3,374 |
Accrued expenses | 45,753 |
Total liabilities | $ 1,140,294 |
NET ASSETS: | |
Paid-in capital | $ 473,957,085 |
Distributable earnings (loss) | (343,810,380) |
Net assets | $ 130,146,705 |
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE: | |
No par value (unlimited number of shares authorized) | |
Class A (based on $90,511,027/13,049,849 shares) | $ 6.94 |
Class C (based on $2,077,269/299,562 shares) | $ 6.93 |
Class Y (based on $37,558,409/5,523,065 shares) | $ 6.80 |
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE: | |
Class A (based on $6.94 net asset value per share/100%-4.50% maximum sales charge) | $ 7.27 |
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||
Interest from unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld $28,382) | $ 10,567,266 | |
Dividends from unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign taxes withheld $2,745) | 263,437 | |
Total Investment Income | $ 10,830,703 | |
EXPENSES: | ||
Management fees | $ 999,867 | |
Administrative expenses | 61,232 | |
Transfer agent fees | ||
Class A | 94,397 | |
Class C | 4,426 | |
Class Y | 38,703 | |
Distribution fees | ||
Class A | 245,577 | |
Class C | 29,020 | |
Shareowner communications expense | 37,121 | |
Custodian fees | 4,560 | |
Registration fees | 63,329 | |
Professional fees | 133,839 | |
Printing expense | 52,295 | |
Officers' and Trustees' fees | 8,857 | |
Insurance expense | 5,378 | |
Miscellaneous | 88,306 | |
Total expenses | $ 1,866,907 | |
Less fees waived and expenses reimbursed by the Adviser | (310,717) | |
Net expenses | $ 1,556,190 | |
Net investment income | $ 9,274,513 | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on: | ||
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | $(11,454,285) | |
Class actions | 34,984 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 25,077 | |
Swap contracts | (2,435,387) | |
Written options | 78,703 | |
Other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies | (159,370) | $(13,910,278) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | ||
Investments in unaffiliated issuers | $ 13,264,404 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 136,536 | |
Swap contracts | 1,056,797 | |
Written options | 25,916 | |
Other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies | (62,469) | $ 14,421,184 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | $ 510,906 | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | $ 9,785,419 |
Year
Ended 10/31/23 |
Year
Ended 10/31/22 | |
FROM OPERATIONS: | ||
Net investment income (loss) | $ 9,274,513 | $ 10,220,006 |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | (13,910,278) | (7,562,950) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 14,421,184 | (35,567,216) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | $ 9,785,419 | $ (32,910,160) |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREOWNERS: | ||
Class A ($0.37 and $0.29 per share, respectively) | $ (5,229,552) | $ (4,493,430) |
Class C ($0.31 and $0.22 per share, respectively) | (129,900) | (149,297) |
Class Y ($0.38 and $0.30 per share, respectively) | (2,326,352) | (2,338,894) |
Tax return of capital | ||
Class A ($0.02 and $0.08 per share, respectively) | $ (215,565) | $ (1,210,554) |
Class C ($0.02 and $0.08 per share, respectively) | (5,355) | (40,221) |
Class Y ($0.02 and $0.08 per share, respectively) | (95,893) | (630,111) |
Total distributions to shareowners | $ (8,002,617) | $ (8,862,507) |
FROM FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | ||
Net proceeds from sales of shares | $ 17,625,607 | $ 22,006,630 |
Reinvestment of distributions | 6,983,769 | 7,357,315 |
Cost of shares repurchased | (44,863,537) | (65,628,894) |
Net decrease in net assets resulting from Fund share transactions | $ (20,254,161) | $ (36,264,949) |
Net decrease in net assets | $ (18,471,359) | $ (78,037,616) |
NET ASSETS: | ||
Beginning of year | $148,618,064 | $226,655,680 |
End of year | $ 130,146,705 | $ 148,618,064 |
Year
Ended 10/31/23 Shares |
Year
Ended 10/31/23 Amount |
Year
Ended 10/31/22 Shares |
Year
Ended 10/31/22 Amount | |
Class A | ||||
Shares sold | 447,212 | $ 3,199,928 | 435,935 | $ 3,403,782 |
Reinvestment of distributions | 685,037 | 4,874,696 | 661,565 | 5,025,273 |
Less shares repurchased | (2,556,083) | (18,161,756) | (2,881,781) | (22,350,650) |
Net decrease | (1,423,834) | $(10,087,132) | (1,784,281) | $(13,921,595) |
Class C | ||||
Shares sold | 35,077 | $ 249,322 | 12,757 | $ 102,096 |
Reinvestment of distributions | 18,247 | 129,923 | 23,651 | 180,540 |
Less shares repurchased | (239,399) | (1,697,950) | (341,183) | (2,655,200) |
Net decrease | (186,075) | $ (1,318,705) | (304,775) | $ (2,372,564) |
Class Y | ||||
Shares sold | 2,032,696 | $ 14,176,357 | 2,434,289 | $ 18,500,752 |
Reinvestment of distributions | 283,725 | 1,979,150 | 288,370 | 2,151,502 |
Less shares repurchased | (3,591,282) | (25,003,831) | (5,278,033) | (40,623,044) |
Net decrease | (1,274,861) | $ (8,848,324) | (2,555,374) | $(19,970,790) |
Year
Ended 10/31/23 |
Year
Ended 10/31/22 |
Year
Ended 10/31/21 |
Year
Ended 10/31/20 |
Year
Ended 10/31/19 | |
Class A | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 6.87 | $ 8.64 | $ 7.88 | $ 8.57 | $ 8.51 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.46 | $ 0.43 | $ 0.41 | $ 0.46 | $ 0.47 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | (0.00)(b) | (1.83) | 0.75 | (0.69) | 0.05 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 0.46 | $ (1.40) | $ 1.16 | $ (0.23) | $ 0.52 |
Distributions to shareowners: | |||||
Net investment income | $ (0.37) | $ (0.29) | $ (0.37) | $ (0.44) | $ (0.44) |
Tax return of capital | (0.02) | (0.08) | (0.03) | (0.02) | (0.02) |
Total distributions | $ (0.39) | $ (0.37) | $ (0.40) | $ (0.46) | $ (0.46) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 0.07 | $ (1.77) | $ 0.76 | $ (0.69) | $ 0.06 |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 6.94 | $ 6.87 | $ 8.64 | $ 7.88 | $ 8.57 |
Total return (c) | 6.76%(d) | (16.50)% | 14.80% | (2.57)% | 6.27% |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 1.14% | 1.14% | 1.14% | 1.14% | 1.25% |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 6.44% | 5.54% | 4.77% | 5.72% | 5.57% |
Portfolio turnover rate | 45% | 42% | 118% | 94% | 54% |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $90,511 | $99,477 | $140,514 | $132,580 | $160,057 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | |||||
Total expenses to average net assets | 1.37% | 1.25% | 1.27% | 1.23% | 1.26% |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 6.21% | 5.43% | 4.64% | 5.63% | 5.56% |
(a) | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share. |
(c) | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. |
(d) | If the Fund had not recognized gains in settlement of class action lawsuits during the year ended October 31, 2023, the total return would have been 6.60%. |
Year
Ended 10/31/23 |
Year
Ended 10/31/22 |
Year
Ended 10/31/21 |
Year
Ended 10/31/20 |
Year
Ended 10/31/19 | |
Class C | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 6.88 | $ 8.64 | $ 7.87 | $ 8.55 | $ 8.49 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.39 | $ 0.37 | $ 0.33 | $ 0.39 | $ 0.41 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | (0.01) | (1.83) | 0.76 | (0.69) | 0.04 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 0.38 | $ (1.46) | $ 1.09 | $ (0.30) | $ 0.45 |
Distributions to shareowners: | |||||
Net investment income | $ (0.31) | $ (0.22) | $ (0.29) | $ (0.36) | $ (0.37) |
Tax return of capital | (0.02) | (0.08) | (0.03) | (0.02) | (0.02) |
Total distributions | $ (0.33) | $ (0.30) | $ (0.32) | $ (0.38) | $ (0.39) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 0.05 | $ (1.76) | $ 0.77 | $ (0.68) | $ 0.06 |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 6.93 | $ 6.88 | $ 8.64 | $ 7.87 | $ 8.55 |
Total return (b) | 5.51%(c) | (17.73)% | 13.91% | (3.39)% | 5.46% |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 2.10% | 1.94% | 2.01% | 2.02% | 1.97% |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 5.47% | 4.66% | 3.84% | 4.83% | 4.86% |
Portfolio turnover rate | 45% | 42% | 118% | 94% | 54% |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $2,077 | $ 3,339 | $6,828 | $17,266 | $34,513 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | |||||
Total expenses to average net assets | 2.19% | 1.94% | 2.01% | 2.02% | 1.97% |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 5.38% | 4.66% | 3.84% | 4.83% | 4.86% |
(a) | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account. |
(c) | For the year ended October 31, 2023, the Fund's total return includes gains in settlement of class action lawsuits. The impact on Class C's total return was less than 0.005%. |
Year
Ended 10/31/23 |
Year
Ended 10/31/22 |
Year
Ended 10/31/21 |
Year
Ended 10/31/20 |
Year
Ended 10/31/19 | |
Class Y | |||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 6.74 | $ 8.48 | $ 7.73 | $ 8.41 | $ 8.36 |
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | |||||
Net investment income (loss) (a) | $ 0.47 | $ 0.44 | $ 0.42 | $ 0.47 | $ 0.49 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | (0.01) | (1.80) | 0.74 | (0.68) | 0.03 |
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations | $ 0.46 | $ (1.36) | $ 1.16 | $ (0.21) | $ 0.52 |
Distributions to shareowners: | |||||
Net investment income | $ (0.38) | $ (0.30) | $ (0.38) | $ (0.45) | $ (0.45) |
Tax return of capital | (0.02) | (0.08) | (0.03) | (0.02) | (0.02) |
Total distributions | $ (0.40) | $ (0.38) | $ (0.41) | $ (0.47) | $ (0.47) |
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value | $ 0.06 | $ (1.74) | $ 0.75 | $ (0.68) | $ 0.05 |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 6.80 | $ 6.74 | $ 8.48 | $ 7.73 | $ 8.41 |
Total return (b) | 6.88%(c) | (16.33)% | 15.14% | (2.37)% | 6.43% |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 0.90% | 0.90% | 0.90% | 0.90% | 0.96% |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 6.68% | 5.76% | 5.01% | 5.94% | 5.85% |
Portfolio turnover rate | 45% | 42% | 118% | 94% | 54% |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $37,558 | $45,802 | $79,313 | $70,002 | $113,523 |
Ratios with no waiver of fees and assumption of expenses by the Adviser and no reduction for fees paid indirectly: | |||||
Total expenses to average net assets | 1.10% | 1.00% | 1.01% | 0.96% | 0.96% |
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets | 6.48% | 5.66% | 4.90% | 5.88% | 5.85% |
(a) | The per-share data presented above is based on the average shares outstanding for the period presented. |
(b) | Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each period, reinvestment of all distributions and the complete redemption of the investment at net asset value at the end of each period. |
(c) | For the year ended October 31, 2023, the Fund's total return includes gains in settlement of class action lawsuits. The impact on Class Y's total return was less than 0.005%. |
A. | Security Valuation |
The net asset value of the Fund is computed once daily, on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE. | |
Fixed-income securities are valued by using prices supplied by independent pricing services, which consider such factors as market prices, market events, quotations from one or more brokers, Treasury spreads, yields, maturities and ratings, or may use a pricing matrix or other fair value methods or techniques to provide an estimated value of the security or instrument. A pricing matrix is a means of valuing a debt security on the basis of current market prices for other debt securities, historical trading patterns in the market for fixed-income securities and/or other factors. Non-U.S. debt securities that are listed on an exchange will be valued at the bid price obtained from an independent third party pricing service. When independent third party pricing |
services are unable to supply prices, or when prices or market quotations are considered to be unreliable, the value of that security may be determined using quotations from one or more broker-dealers. | |
Loan interests are valued at the mean between the last available bid and asked prices from one or more brokers or dealers as obtained from Loan Pricing Corporation, an independent third party pricing service. If price information is not available from Loan Pricing Corporation, or if the price information is deemed to be unreliable, price information will be obtained from an alternative loan interest pricing service. If no reliable price quotes are available from either the primary or alternative pricing service, broker quotes will be solicited. | |
Event-linked bonds are valued at the bid price obtained from an independent third party pricing service. Other insurance-linked securities (including reinsurance sidecars, collateralized reinsurance and industry loss warranties) may be valued at the bid price obtained from an independent pricing service, or through a third party using a pricing matrix, insurance valuation models, or other fair value methods or techniques to provide an estimated value of the instrument. | |
Equity securities that have traded on an exchange are valued by using the last sale price on the principal exchange where they are traded. Equity securities that have not traded on the date of valuation, or securities for which sale prices are not available, generally are valued using the mean between the last bid and asked prices or, if both last bid and asked prices are not available, at the last quoted bid price. Last sale and bid and asked prices are provided by independent third party pricing services. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, prices are typically determined by independent third party pricing services using a variety of techniques and methods. | |
The value of foreign securities is translated into U.S. dollars based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by a third party pricing source. Trading in non-U.S. equity securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund's shares are determined as of such times. The Adviser may use a fair value model developed by an independent pricing service to value non-U.S. equity securities. | |
Options contracts are generally valued at the mean between the last bid and ask prices on the principal exchange where they are traded. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options and options on swaps (“swaptions”) are valued using prices supplied by independent pricing services, which consider such factors as market prices, market events, quotations from |
one or more brokers, Treasury spreads, yields, maturities and ratings, or may use a pricing matrix or other fair value methods or techniques to provide an estimated value of the security or instrument. | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily using the foreign exchange rate or, for longer term forward contract positions, the spot currency rate and the forward points on a daily basis, in each case provided by a third party pricing service. Contracts whose forward settlement date falls between two quoted days are valued by interpolation. | |
Swap contracts, including interest rate swaps, caps and floors (other than centrally cleared swap contracts), are valued at the dealer quotations obtained from reputable International Swap Dealers Association members. Centrally cleared swaps are valued at the daily settlement price provided by the central clearing counterparty. | |
Shares of open-end registered investment companies (including money market mutual funds) are valued at such funds’ net asset value. | |
Securities or loan interests for which independent pricing services or broker-dealers are unable to supply prices or for which market prices and/or quotations are not readily available or are considered to be unreliable are valued by a fair valuation team comprised of certain personnel of the Adviser. The Adviser is designated as the valuation designee for the Fund pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act. The Adviser’s fair valuation team is responsible for monitoring developments that may impact fair valued securities. | |
Inputs used when applying fair value methods to value a security may include credit ratings, the financial condition of the company, current market conditions and comparable securities. The Adviser may use fair value methods if it is determined that a significant event has occurred after the close of the exchange or market on which the security trades and prior to the determination of the Fund's net asset value. Examples of a significant event might include political or economic news, corporate restructurings, natural disasters, terrorist activity or trading halts. Thus, the valuation of the Fund's securities may differ significantly from exchange prices, and such differences could be material. | |
B. | Investment Income and Transactions |
Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities where the ex-dividend date may have |
passed are recorded as soon as the Fund becomes aware of the ex-dividend data in the exercise of reasonable diligence. | |
Interest income, including interest on income-bearing cash accounts, is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend and interest income are reported net of unrecoverable foreign taxes withheld at the applicable country rates and net of income accrued on defaulted securities. | |
Interest and dividend income payable by delivery of additional shares is reclassified as PIK (payment-in-kind) income upon receipt and is included in interest and dividend income, respectively. | |
Principal amounts of mortgage-backed securities are adjusted for monthly paydowns. Premiums and discounts related to certain mortgage-backed securities are amortized or accreted in proportion to the monthly paydowns. All discounts/premiums on purchase prices of debt securities are accreted/amortized for financial reporting purposes over the life of the respective securities, and such accretion/amortization is included in interest income. | |
Security transactions are recorded as of trade date. Gains and losses on sales of investments are calculated on the identified cost method for both financial reporting and federal income tax purposes. | |
C. | Foreign Currency Translation |
The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Amounts denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. | |
Net realized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, if any, represent, among other things, the net realized gains and losses on foreign currency exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies and the difference between the amount of income accrued and the U.S. dollars actually received. Further, the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments are not segregated on the Statement of Operations from the effects of changes in the market prices of those securities, but are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments. | |
D. | Federal Income Taxes |
It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its net taxable income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareowners. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required. As of October 31, 2023, the Fund did not accrue any interest |
or penalties with respect to uncertain tax positions, which, if applicable, would be recorded as an income tax expense on the Statement of Operations. Tax returns filed within the prior three years remain subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities. | |
The amount and character of income and capital gain distributions to shareowners are determined in accordance with federal income tax rules, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. Distributions in excess of net investment income or net realized gains are temporary over distributions for financial statement purposes resulting from differences in the recognition or classification of income or distributions for financial statement and tax purposes. Capital accounts within the financial statements are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character, but are not adjusted for temporary differences. | |
At October 31, 2023, the Fund was permitted to carry forward indefinitely $21,564,015 of short-term losses and $295,057,038 of long-term losses. | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2023 and October 31, 2022, was as follows: |
2023 | 2022 | |
Distributions paid from: | ||
Ordinary income | $7,685,804 | $6,981,621 |
Tax return of capital | 316,813 | 1,880,886 |
Total | $ 8,002,617 | $8,862,507 |
2023 | |
Distributable earnings/(losses): | |
Capital loss carryforward | $ (316,621,053) |
Current year dividend payable | (71,659) |
Net unrealized depreciation | (27,117,668) |
Total | $(343,810,380) |
E. | Fund Shares |
The Fund records sales and repurchases of its shares as of trade date. The Distributor earned $1,355 in underwriting commissions on the sale of Class A shares during the year ended October 31, 2023. | |
F. | Class Allocations |
Income, common expenses and realized and unrealized gains and losses are calculated at the Fund level and allocated daily to each class of shares based on its respective percentage of adjusted net assets at the beginning of the day. | |
Distribution fees are calculated based on the average daily net asset value attributable to Class A and Class C shares of the Fund, respectively (see Note 5). Class Y shares do not pay distribution fees. All expenses and fees paid to the Fund's transfer agent for its services are allocated among the classes of shares based on the number of accounts in each class and the ratable allocation of related out-of-pocket expenses (see Note 4). | |
The Fund declares as daily dividends substantially all of its net investment income. All dividends are paid on a monthly basis. Short-term capital gain distributions, if any, may be declared with the daily dividends. | |
Distributions to shareowners are recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions paid by the Fund with respect to each class of shares are calculated in the same manner and at the same time, except that net investment income dividends to Class A, Class C and Class Y shares can reflect different transfer agent and distribution expense rates. | |
G. | Risks |
The value of securities held by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political or regulatory conditions, recessions, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, inflation, changes in interest rates, armed conflict including Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, other nations or individuals or companies and possible countermeasures, lack of liquidity in the bond markets or adverse investor sentiment. In the past several years, financial markets have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread. Inflation and interest rates have increased and may rise further. These circumstances could |
adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments and negatively impact the Fund's performance. | |
The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent variants on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced or may experience particularly large losses. Periods of extreme volatility in the financial markets, reduced liquidity of many instruments, increased government debt, inflation, and disruptions to supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability, may continue for some time. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian securities lost all, or nearly all, their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly affected by past or future political, geopolitical or other events or conditions. | |
Governments and central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the U.S. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, may not be known for some time. | |
The U.S. and other countries are periodically involved in disputes over trade and other matters, which may result in tariffs, investment restrictions and adverse impacts on affected companies and securities. For example, the U.S. has imposed tariffs and other trade barriers on Chinese exports, has restricted sales of certain categories of goods to China, and has established barriers to investments in China. Trade disputes may adversely affect the economies of the U.S. and its trading partners, as well as companies directly or indirectly affected and financial markets generally. If the political climate between the U.S. and China does not improve or continues to deteriorate, if China were to attempt unification of Taiwan by force, or if other geopolitical conflicts develop or get worse, economies, markets and individual securities may be severely affected both regionally and globally, and the value of the Fund's assets may go down. | |
At times, the Fund’s investments may represent industries or industry sectors that are interrelated or have common risks, making the Fund more susceptible to any economic, political, or regulatory developments or other risks affecting those industries and sectors. | |
The Fund’s investments in foreign markets and countries with limited developing markets may subject the Fund to a greater degree of risk than investments in a developed market. These risks include disruptive political or economic conditions, military conflicts and sanctions, |
terrorism, sustained economic downturns, financial instability, less liquid trading markets, extreme price volatility, currency risks, reduction of government or central bank support, inadequate accounting standards, tariffs, tax disputes or other tax burdens, nationalization or expropriation of assets and the imposition of adverse governmental laws, arbitrary application of laws and regulations or lack of rule of law and investment and repatriation restrictions. Lack of information and less market regulation also may affect the value of these securities. Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the Fund’s return. Non-U.S. issuers may be located in parts of the world that have historically been prone to natural disasters. Investing in depositary receipts is subject to many of the same risks as investing directly in non-U.S. issuers. Depositary receipts may involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the underlying security. | |
Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. In response to the military action by Russia, various countries, including the U.S., the United Kingdom, and European Union issued broad-ranging economic sanctions against Russia and Belarus and certain companies and individuals. Since then, Russian securities have lost all, or nearly all, their market value, and many other issuers, securities and markets have been adversely affected. The United States and other countries may impose sanctions on other countries, companies and individuals in light of Russia’s military invasion. The extent and duration of the military action or future escalation of such hostilities, the extent and impact of existing and future sanctions, market disruptions and volatility, and the result of any diplomatic negotiations cannot be predicted. These and any related events could have a significant impact on the value and liquidity of certain Fund investments, on Fund performance and the value of an investment in the Fund, particularly with respect to securities and commodities, such as oil, natural gas and food commodities, as well as other sectors with exposure to Russian issuers or issuers in other countries affected by the invasion, and are likely to have collateral impacts on market sectors globally. | |
Normally, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in below-investment-grade (high-yield) debt securities and preferred stocks. Some of these high-yield securities may be convertible into equity securities of the issuer. Debt securities rated below-investment-grade are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” and are considered speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. These securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price |
volatility, and may be less liquid and more difficult to value, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher rated debt securities. | |
The market prices of the Fund's fixed income securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. The value of your investment will generally go down when interest rates rise. A rise in rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or duration securities. For example, if interest rates increase by 1%, the value of a Fund's portfolio with a portfolio duration of ten years would be expected to decrease by 10%, all other things being equal. In recent years interest rates and credit spreads in the U.S. have been at historic lows. The U.S. Federal Reserve has raised certain interest rates, and interest rates may continue to go up. A general rise in interest rates could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities. The maturity of a security may be significantly longer than its effective duration. A security's maturity and other features may be more relevant than its effective duration in determining the security's sensitivity to other factors affecting the issuer or markets generally, such as changes in credit quality or in the yield premium that the market may establish for certain types of securities (sometimes called "credit spread"). In general, the longer its maturity the more a security may be susceptible to these factors. When the credit spread for a fixed income security goes up, or "widens," the value of the security will generally go down. | |
If an issuer or guarantor of a security held by the Fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the Fund defaults on its obligation to pay principal and/or interest, has its credit rating downgraded or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or the credit quality or value of any underlying assets declines, the value of your investment will typically decline. Changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness may occur quickly. The Fund could be delayed or hindered in its enforcement of rights against an issuer, guarantor or counterparty. | |
The Fund's investments, payment obligations and financing terms may be based on floating rates, such as LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) or SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate). ICE Benchmark Administration, the administrator of LIBOR, has ceased publication of most LIBOR settings on a representative basis. Actions by regulators have resulted in the establishment of alternative reference rates to LIBOR in most major currencies. In the U.S., a common benchmark replacement is based on the SOFR published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, including certain spread adjustments and benchmark replacement conforming changes, although other benchmark replacements (without or without spread adjustments) may be used in |
certain transactions. The impact of the transition from LIBOR on the Fund's transactions and financial markets generally cannot yet be determined. The transition away from LIBOR may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments that have relied on LIBOR and may adversely affect the Fund's performance. | |
The Fund may invest in REIT securities, the value of which can fall for a variety of reasons, such as declines in rental income, fluctuating interest rates, poor property management, environmental liabilities, uninsured damage, increased competition, or changes in real estate tax laws. | |
With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. While the Fund’s Adviser has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, limit or mitigate, such cyber-attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund such as the Fund's custodian and accounting agent, and the Fund’s transfer agent. In addition, many beneficial owners of Fund shares hold them through accounts at broker-dealers, retirement platforms and other financial market participants over which neither the Fund nor the Adviser exercises control. Each of these may in turn rely on service providers to them, which are also subject to the risk of cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity failures or breaches at the Adviser or the Fund’s service providers or intermediaries have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value, impediments to trading, the inability of Fund shareowners to effect share purchases, redemptions or exchanges or receive distributions, loss of or unauthorized access to private shareowner information and violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, or additional compliance costs. Such costs and losses may not be covered under any insurance. In addition, maintaining vigilance against cyber-attacks may involve substantial costs over time, and system enhancements may themselves be subject to cyber-attacks. | |
The Fund’s prospectus contains unaudited information regarding the Fund’s principal risks. Please refer to that document when considering the Fund’s principal risks. |
H. | Restricted Securities |
Restricted Securities are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Restricted securities generally are resold in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. Private placement securities are generally considered to be restricted except for those securities traded between qualified institutional investors under the provisions of Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. | |
Disposal of restricted investments may involve negotiations and expenses, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult to achieve. Restricted investments held by the Fund at October 31, 2023 are listed in the Schedule of Investments. | |
I. | Insurance-Linked Securities (“ILS”) |
The Fund invests in ILS. The Fund could lose a portion or all of the principal it has invested in an ILS, and the right to additional interest or dividend payments with respect to the security, upon the occurrence of one or more trigger events, as defined within the terms of an insurance-linked security. Trigger events, generally, are hurricanes, earthquakes, or other natural events of a specific size or magnitude that occur in a designated geographic region during a specified time period, and/or that involve losses or other metrics that exceed a specific amount. There is no way to accurately predict whether a trigger event will occur, and accordingly, ILS carry significant risk. The Fund is entitled to receive principal, and interest and/or dividend payments so long as no trigger event occurs of the description and magnitude specified by the instrument. In addition to the specified trigger events, ILS may expose the Fund to other risks, including but not limited to issuer (credit) default, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations and adverse tax consequences. | |
The Fund’s investments in ILS may include event-linked bonds. ILS also may include special purpose vehicles (“SPVs”) or similar instruments structured to comprise a portion of a reinsurer’s catastrophe-oriented business, known as quota share instruments (sometimes referred to as reinsurance sidecars), or to provide reinsurance relating to specific risks to insurance or reinsurance companies through a collateralized instrument, known as collateralized reinsurance. Structured reinsurance investments also may include industry loss warranties (“ILWs”). A traditional ILW takes the form of a bilateral reinsurance contract, but there are also products that take the form of derivatives, collateralized structures, or exchange-traded instruments. |
Where the ILS are based on the performance of underlying reinsurance contracts, the Fund has limited transparency into the individual underlying contracts, and therefore must rely upon the risk assessment and sound underwriting practices of the issuer. Accordingly, it may be more difficult for the Adviser to fully evaluate the underlying risk profile of the Fund’s structured reinsurance investments, and therefore the Fund’s assets are placed at greater risk of loss than if the Adviser had more complete information. Structured reinsurance instruments generally will be considered illiquid securities by the Fund. These securities may be difficult to purchase, sell or unwind. Illiquid securities also may be difficult to value. If the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset, the Fund may be forced to sell at a loss. | |
J. | Purchased Options |
The Fund may purchase put and call options to seek to increase total return. Purchased call and put options entitle the Fund to buy and sell a specified number of shares or units of a particular security, currency or index at a specified price at a specific date or within a specific period of time. Upon the purchase of a call or put option, the premium paid by the Fund is included on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an investment. All premiums are marked-to-market daily, and any unrealized appreciation or depreciation is recorded on the Fund’s Statement of Operations. As the purchaser of an index option, the Fund has the right to receive a cash payment equal to any depreciation in the value of the index below the strike price of the option (in the case of a put) or equal to any appreciation in the value of the index over the strike price of the option (in the case of a call) as of the valuation date of the option. Premiums paid for purchased call and put options which have expired are treated as realized losses on investments on the Statement of Operations. Upon the exercise or closing of a purchased put option, the premium is offset against the proceeds on the sale of the underlying security or financial instrument in order to determine the realized gain or loss on investments. Upon the exercise or closing of a purchased call option, the premium is added to the cost of the security or financial instrument. The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid. | |
The average market value of purchased options contracts open during the year ended October 31, 2023 was $30,045. Open purchased options contracts at October 31, 2023 are listed in the Schedule of Investments. |
K. | Option Writing |
The Fund may write put and covered call options to seek to increase total return. When an option is written, the Fund receives a premium and becomes obligated to purchase or sell the underlying security at a fixed price, upon the exercise of the option. When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded as “Written options outstanding” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and is subsequently adjusted to the current value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains from investments on the Statement of Operations. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain on the Statement of Operations, or, if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss on the Statement of Operations. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. The Fund as writer of an option bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option. | |
The average market value of written options for the year ended October 31, 2023 was $(77,179). Open written options contracts at October 31, 2023 are listed in the Schedule of Investments. | |
L. | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts |
The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("contracts") for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future date. All contracts are marked-to-market daily at the applicable exchange rates, and any resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation is recorded in the Fund's financial statements. The Fund records realized gains and losses at the time a contract is offset by entry into a closing transaction or extinguished by delivery of the currency. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of the contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar (see Note 8). | |
During the year ended October 31, 2023, the Fund had entered into various forward foreign currency exchange contracts that obligated the Fund to deliver or take delivery of currencies at specified future maturity dates. Alternatively, prior to the settlement date of a forward foreign currency exchange contract, the Fund may close out such contract by entering into an offsetting contract. |
The average market value of forward foreign currency exchange contracts open during the year ended October 31, 2023 was $10,992,270 and $7,220,120 for buys and sells, respectively. Open forward foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at October 31, 2023 are listed in the Schedule of Investments. | |
M. | Credit Default Swap Contracts |
A credit default swap is a contract between a buyer of protection and a seller of protection against a pre-defined credit event or an underlying reference obligation, which may be a single security or a basket or index of securities. The Fund may buy or sell credit default swap contracts to seek to increase the Fund's income, or to attempt to hedge the risk of default on portfolio securities. A credit default swap index is used to hedge risk or take a position on a basket of credit entities or indices. | |
As a seller of protection, the Fund would be required to pay the notional (or other agreed-upon) value of the referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default by a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer of a debt obligation, which would likely result in a loss to the Fund. In return, the Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments during the term of the contract, provided that no event of default occurred. The maximum exposure of loss to the seller would be the notional value of the credit default swaps outstanding. If no default occurs, the Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligation. The Fund may also buy credit default swap contracts in order to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities, in which case the Fund would function as the counterparty referenced above. | |
As a buyer of protection, the Fund makes an upfront or periodic payment to the protection seller in exchange for the right to receive a contingent payment. An upfront payment made by the Fund, as the protection buyer, is recorded within the "Swap contracts, at value" line item on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Periodic payments received or paid by the Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations. | |
Credit default swap contracts are marked-to-market daily using valuations supplied by independent sources, and the change in value, if any, is recorded within the "Swap contracts, at value" line item on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Payments received or made as a result of a credit event or upon termination of the contract are recognized, net of the appropriate amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations. |
Credit default swap contracts involving the sale of protection may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the referenced debt instrument directly. Credit default swap contracts are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a protection buyer and no credit event occurs, it will lose its investment. If the Fund is a protection seller and a credit event occurs, the value of the referenced debt instrument received by the Fund, together with the periodic payments received, may be less than the amount the Fund pays to the protection buyer, resulting in a loss to the Fund. In addition, obligations under sell protection credit default swaps may be partially offset by net amounts received from settlement of buy protection credit default swaps entered into by the Fund for the same reference obligation with the same counterparty. | |
Certain swap contracts that are cleared through a central clearinghouse are referred to as centrally cleared swaps. All payments made or received by the Fund are pursuant to a centrally cleared swap contract with the central clearing party rather than the original counterparty. Upon entering into a centrally cleared swap contract, the Fund is required to make an initial margin deposit, either in cash or in securities. The daily change in value on open centrally cleared contracts is recorded as "Variation margin for centrally cleared swap contracts" on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Cash received from or paid to the broker related to previous margin movement is held in a segregated account at the broker and is recorded as either "Due from broker for swaps" or "Due to broker for swaps" on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The amount of cash deposited with a broker as collateral at October 31, 2023 is recorded as "Swaps collateral" on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. | |
The Fund may invest in credit default swap index products ("CDX"). A CDX is a swap on an index of credit default swaps. CDXs allow an investor to manage credit risk or take a position on a basket of credit entities (such as credit default swaps or commercial mortgage-backed securities) in a more efficient manner than transacting in a single-name credit default swap. If a credit event occurs in one of the underlying companies, the protection is paid out via the delivery of the defaulted bond by the buyer of protection in return for a payment of notional value of the defaulted bond by the seller of protection or it may be settled through a cash settlement between the two parties. The underlying company is then removed from the index. If the Fund holds a long position in a CDX, the Fund would indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses paid by a CDX. A fund holding a long position in CDXs typically receives income from principal or interest paid on the |
underlying securities. By investing in CDXs, the Fund could be exposed to liquidity risk, counterparty risk, credit risk of the issuers of the underlying loan obligations and of the CDX markets, and operational risks. If there is a default by the CDX counterparty, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. CDXs also bear the risk that the Fund will not be able to meet its obligation to the counterparty. | |
The average notional values of credit default swap contracts buy protection and credit default swap contracts sell protection open during the year ended October 31, 2023 were $22,498,000 and $624,000, respectively. Open credit default swap contracts at October 31, 2023 are listed in the Schedule of Investments. |
Shareowner Communications: | |
Class A | $28,002 |
Class C | 1,491 |
Class Y | 7,628 |
Total | $37,121 |
Counterparty | Derivative
Assets Subject to Master Netting Agreement |
Derivatives
Available for Offset |
Non-Cash
Collateral Received(a) |
Cash
Collateral Received(a) |
Net
Amount of Derivative Assets(b) |
Citibank NA | $ 1,008 | $ (729) | $ — | $ — | $279 |
State
Street Bank & Trust Co. |
12,054 | (12,054) | — | — | — |
Total | $ 13,062 | $(12,783) | $— | $— | $279 |
Counterparty | Derivative
Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Agreement |
Derivatives
Available for Offset |
Non-Cash
Collateral Pledged(a) |
Cash
Collateral Pledged(a) |
Net Amount
of Derivative Liabilities(c) |
Citibank NA | $ 729 | $ (729) | $ — | $ — | $ — |
State
Street Bank & Trust Co. |
41,401 | (12,054) | — | — | 29,347 |
Total | $42,130 | $(12,783) | $— | $— | $29,347 |
Statement
of Assets and Liabilities |
Interest
Rate Risk |
Credit
Risk |
Foreign
Exchange Rate Risk |
Equity
Risk |
Commodity
Risk |
Assets | |||||
Options purchased* | $ — | $ — | $ 1,008 | $ — | $ — |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | — | — | 12,054 | — | — |
Swap contracts, at value | — | 879 | — | — | — |
Total Value | $— | $879 | $ 13,062 | $— | $— |
Liabilities | |||||
Options written | $ — | $ — | $ 729 | $ — | $ — |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | — | — | 41,401 | — | — |
Total Value | $— | $ — | $42,130 | $— | $— |
* | Reflects the market value of purchased option contracts (see Note 1). These amounts are included in investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value, on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
Statement of Operations | Interest
Rate Risk |
Credit
Risk |
Foreign
Exchange Rate Risk |
Equity
Risk |
Commodity
Risk |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on | |||||
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | $ — | $ — | $ 25,077 | $ — | $ — |
Options purchased* | — | — | (78,703) | — | — |
Options written | — | — | 78,703 | — | — |
Swap contracts | — | (2,435,387) | — | — | — |
Total Value | $— | $(2,435,387) | $ 25,077 | $— | $— |
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on | |||||
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | $ — | $ — | $ 136,536 | $ — | $ — |
Options purchased** | — | — | (109,982) | — | — |
Options written | — | — | 25,916 | — | — |
Swap contracts | — | 1,056,797 | — | — | — |
Total Value | $— | $ 1,056,797 | $ 52,470 | $— | $— |
* | Reflects the net realized gain (loss) on purchased option contracts (see Note 1J). These amounts are included in net realized gain (loss) on investments in unaffiliated issuers, on the Statement of Operations. |
** | Reflects the change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on purchased option contracts (see Note 1J). These amounts are included in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments in unaffiliated issuers, on the Statement of Operations. |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During At Least The Past Five Years |
Thomas
J. Perna (73) Chairman of the Board and Trustee |
Trustee
since 2006. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Private investor (2004 – 2008 and 2013 – present); Chairman (2008 – 2013) and Chief Executive Officer (2008 – 2012), Quadriserv, Inc. (technology products for securities lending industry); and Senior Executive Vice President, The Bank of New York (financial and securities services) (1986 – 2004) | Director,
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (investor communications and securities processing provider for financial services industry) (2009 – present); Director, Quadriserv, Inc. (2005 – 2013); and Commissioner, New Jersey State Civil Service Commission (2011 – 2015) |
John
E. Baumgardner, Jr. (72)* Trustee |
Trustee
since 2019. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Of Counsel (2019 – present), Partner (1983-2018), Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (law firm). | Chairman,
The Lakeville Journal Company, LLC, (privately-held community newspaper group) (2015-present) |
Diane
Durnin (66) Trustee |
Trustee
since 2019. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Managing Director - Head of Product Strategy and Development, BNY Mellon Investment Management (investment management firm) (2012-2018); Vice Chairman – The Dreyfus Corporation (2005 – 2018): Executive Vice President Head of Product, BNY Mellon Investment Management (2007-2012); Executive Director- Product Strategy, Mellon Asset Management (2005-2007); Executive Vice President Head of Products, Marketing and Client Service, Dreyfus Corporation (investment management firm) (2000-2005); Senior Vice President Strategic Product and Business Development, Dreyfus Corporation (1994-2000) | None |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During At Least The Past Five Years |
Benjamin
M. Friedman (79) Trustee |
Trustee
since 2008. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
William Joseph Maier Professor of Political Economy, Harvard University (1972 – present) | Trustee,
Mellon Institutional Funds Investment Trust and Mellon Institutional Funds Master Portfolio (oversaw 17 portfolios in fund complex) (1989 - 2008) |
Craig
C. MacKay (60) Trustee |
Trustee
since 2021. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Partner, England & Company, LLC (advisory firm) (2012 – present); Group Head – Leveraged Finance Distribution, Oppenheimer & Company (investment bank) (2006 – 2012); Group Head – Private Finance & High Yield Capital Markets Origination, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey (investment bank) (2003 – 2006); and Founder and Chief Executive Officer, HNY Associates, LLC (investment bank) (1996 – 2003) | Director,
Equitable Holdings, Inc. (financial services holding company) (2022 – present); Board Member of Carver Bancorp, Inc. (holding company) and Carver Federal Savings Bank, NA (2017 – present); Advisory Council Member, MasterShares ETF (2016 – 2017); Advisory Council Member, The Deal (financial market information publisher) (2015 – 2016); Board Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Danis Transportation Company (privately-owned commercial carrier) (2000 – 2003); Board Member and Chief Financial Officer, Customer Access Resources (privately-owned teleservices company) (1998 – 2000); Board Member, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (human services agency) (1993 – present); and Board Treasurer, Harlem Dowling Westside Center (foster care agency) (1999 – 2018) |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During At Least The Past Five Years |
Lorraine
H. Monchak (67) Trustee |
Trustee
since 2017. (Advisory Trustee from 2014 - 2017). Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Chief Investment Officer, 1199 SEIU Funds (healthcare workers union pension funds) (2001 – present); Vice President – International Investments Group, American International Group, Inc. (insurance company) (1993 – 2001); Vice President Corporate Finance and Treasury Group, Citibank, N.A. (1980 – 1986 and 1990 – 1993); Vice President – Asset/Liability Management Group, Federal Farm Funding Corporation (government-sponsored issuer of debt securities) (1988 – 1990); Mortgage Strategies Group, Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc. (investment bank) (1987 – 1988); Mortgage Strategies Group, Drexel Burnham Lambert, Ltd. (investment bank) (1986 – 1987) | None |
Marguerite
A. Piret (75) Trustee |
Trustee
since 2001. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Chief Financial Officer, American Ag Energy, Inc. (technology for the environment, energy and agriculture) (2019 – present); Chief Operating Officer, North Country Growers LLC (controlled environment agriculture company) (2020 – present); Chief Executive Officer, Green Heat LLC (biofuels company) (2022 – present); President and Chief Executive Officer, Newbury Piret Company (investment banking firm) (1981 – 2019) | Director
of New America High Income Fund, Inc. (closed-end investment company) (2004 – present); and Member, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute (2000 – 2006) |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During At Least The Past Five Years |
Fred
J. Ricciardi (76) Trustee |
Trustee
since 2014. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. |
Private investor (2020 – present); Consultant (investment company services) (2012 – 2020); Executive Vice President, BNY Mellon (financial and investment company services) (1969 – 2012); Director, BNY International Financing Corp. (financial services) (2002 – 2012); Director, Mellon Overseas Investment Corp. (financial services) (2009 – 2012); Director, Financial Models (technology) (2005-2007); Director, BNY Hamilton Funds, Ireland (offshore investment companies) (2004-2007); Chairman/Director, AIB/BNY Securities Services, Ltd., Ireland (financial services) (1999-2006); Chairman, BNY Alternative Investment Services, Inc. (financial services) (2005-2007) | None |
* Mr. Baumgardner is Of Counsel to Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, which acts as counsel to the Independent Trustees of each Pioneer Fund. |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During At Least The Past Five Years |
Lisa
M. Jones (61)** Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Trustee
since 2017. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal |
Director, CEO and President of Amundi US, Inc. (investment management firm) (since September 2014); Director, CEO and President of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (since September 2014); Director, CEO and President of Amundi Distributor US, Inc. (since September 2014); Director, CEO and President of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (since September 2014); Chair, Amundi US, Inc., Amundi Distributor US, Inc. and Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (September 2014 – 2018); Managing Director, Morgan Stanley Investment Management (investment management firm) (2010 – 2013); Director of Institutional Business, CEO of International, Eaton Vance Management (investment management firm) (2005 – 2010); Director of Amundi Holdings US, Inc. (since 2017) | Director
of Clearwater Analytics (provider of web-based investment accounting software for reporting and reconciliation services) (September 2022 – present) |
Kenneth
J. Taubes (65)** Trustee |
Trustee
since 2014. Serves until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal |
Director and Executive Vice President (since 2008) and Chief Investment Officer, U.S. (since 2010) of Amundi US, Inc. (investment management firm); Director and Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, U.S. of Amundi US (since 2008); Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, U.S. of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. (since 2009); Portfolio Manager of Amundi US (since 1999); Director of Amundi Holdings US, Inc. (since 2017) | None |
**
Ms. Jones and Mr. Taubes are Interested Trustees because they are officers or directors of the Fund’s investment adviser and certain of its affiliates. *** Mr. Taubes is retiring as a Trustee, effective February 1, 2024. |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund**** |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Officer During At Least The Past Five Years |
Christopher
J. Kelley (58) Secretary and Chief Legal Officer |
Since
2003. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Amundi US since January 2008; Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of all of the Pioneer Funds since June 2010; Assistant Secretary of all of the Pioneer Funds from September 2003 to May 2010; Vice President and Senior Counsel of Amundi US from July 2002 to December 2007 | None |
Thomas
Reyes (61) Assistant Secretary |
Since
2010. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Assistant General Counsel of Amundi US since May 2013 and Assistant Secretary of all the Pioneer Funds since June 2010; Counsel of Amundi US from June 2007 to May 2013 | None |
Heather
L. Melito-Dezan (47) Assistant Secretary |
Since
2022. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Director - Trustee and Board Relationships of Amundi US since September 2019; Assistant Secretary of Amundi US, Inc. since July 2020: Assistant Secretary of Amundi Asset Management US, Inc. since July 2020: Assistant Secretary of Amundi Distributor US, Inc. since July 2020; Assistant Secretary of all the Pioneer Funds since September 2022; Private practice from 2017 – 2019. | None |
Anthony
J. Koenig, Jr. (59) Treasurer and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer |
Since
2021. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Managing Director, Chief Operations Officer and Fund Treasurer of Amundi US since May 2021; Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since May 2021; Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds from January 2021 to May 2021; and Chief of Staff, US Investment Management of Amundi US from May 2008 to January 2021 | None |
Luis
I. Presutti (58) Assistant Treasurer |
Since
2001. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Director – Fund Treasury of Amundi US since 1999; and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since 1999 | None |
Gary
Sullivan (65) Assistant Treasurer |
Since
2002. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Senior Manager – Fund Treasury of Amundi US since 2012; and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since 2002 | None |
Name,
Age and Position Held With the Fund**** |
Term
of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During At Least The Past Five Years | Other
Directorships Held by Officer During At Least The Past Five Years |
Antonio
Furtado (41) Assistant Treasurer |
Since
2020. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Fund Oversight Manager – Fund Treasury of Amundi US since 2020; Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since 2020; and Senior Fund Treasury Analyst from 2012 - 2020 | None |
Michael
Melnick (52) Assistant Treasurer |
Since
2021. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Vice President - Deputy Fund Treasurer of Amundi US since May 2021; Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since July 2021; Director of Regulatory Reporting of Amundi US from 2001 – 2021; and Director of Tax of Amundi US from 2000 - 2001 | None |
John
Malone (53) Chief Compliance Officer |
Since
2018. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Managing Director, Chief Compliance Officer of Amundi US Asset Management; Amundi Asset Management US, Inc.; and the Pioneer Funds since September 2018; Chief Compliance Officer of Amundi Distributor US, Inc. since January 2014. | None |
Brandon
Austin (51) Anti-Money Laundering Officer |
Since
2022. Serves at the discretion of the Board |
Director, Financial Security – Amundi Asset Management; Anti-Money Laundering Officer of all the Pioneer Funds since March 2022: Director of Financial Security of Amundi US since July 2021; Vice President, Head of BSA, AML and OFAC, Deputy Compliance Manager, Crédit Agricole Indosuez Wealth Management (investment management firm) (2013 – 2021) | None |
**** Marco Pirondini has been appointed to serve as an Executive Vice President of the Fund, effective February 1, 2024. |
Retirement plans information | 1-800-622-0176 |
Our toll-free fax | 1-800-225-4240 |
Our internet e-mail address |
us.askamundi@amundi.com (for general questions about Amundi only) |
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
(a) Disclose whether, as of the end of the period covered by the report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrants principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party. If the registrant has not adopted such a code of ethics, explain why it has not done so.
The registrant has adopted, as of the end of the period covered by this report, a code of ethics that applies to the registrants principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller.
(b) For purposes of this Item, the term code of ethics means written standards that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
(1) Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
(2) Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the Commission and in other public communications made by the registrant;
(3) Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations;
(4) The prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and
(5) Accountability for adherence to the code.
(c) The registrant must briefly describe the nature of any amendment, during the period covered by the report, to a provision of its code of ethics that applies to the registrants principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in paragraph (b) of this Item. The registrant must file a copy of any such amendment as an exhibit pursuant to Item 10(a), unless the registrant has elected to satisfy paragraph (f) of this Item by posting its code of ethics on its website pursuant to paragraph (f)(2) of this Item, or by undertaking to provide its code of ethics to any person without charge, upon request, pursuant to paragraph (f)(3) of this Item.
The registrant has made no amendments to the code of ethics during the period covered by this report.
(d) If the registrant has, during the period covered by the report, granted a waiver, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics to the registrants principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this Item, the registrant must briefly describe the nature of the waiver, the name of the person to whom the waiver was granted, and the date of the waiver.
Not applicable.
(e) If the registrant intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under paragraph (c) or (d) of this Item regarding an amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of its code of ethics that applies to the registrants principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions and that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in paragraph (b) of this Item by posting such information on its Internet website, disclose the registrants Internet address and such intention.
Not applicable.
(f) The registrant must:
(1) File with the Commission, pursuant to Item 12(a)(1), a copy of its code of ethics that applies to the registrants principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, as an exhibit to its annual report on this Form N-CSR (see attachment);
(2) Post the text of such code of ethics on its Internet website and disclose, in its most recent report on this Form N-CSR, its Internet address and the fact that it has posted such code of ethics on its Internet website; or
(3) Undertake in its most recent report on this Form N-CSR to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of such code of ethics and explain the manner in which such request may be made. See Item 10(2)
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
(a) (1) Disclose that the registrants Board of Trustees has determined that the registrant either:
(i) Has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee; or
(ii) Does not have an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.
The registrants Board of Trustees has determined that the registrant has at least one audit committee financial expert.
(2) If the registrant provides the disclosure required by paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this Item, it must disclose the name of the audit committee financial expert and whether that person is independent. In order to be considered independent for purposes of this Item, a member of an audit committee may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the Board of Trustees, or any other board committee:
(i) Accept directly or indirectly any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the issuer; or
(ii) Be an interested person of the investment company as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a)(19)).
Mr. Fred J. Ricciardi, an independent Trustee, is such an audit committee financial expert.
(3) If the registrant provides the disclosure required by paragraph (a)(1) (ii) of this Item, it must explain why it does not have an audit committee financial expert.
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
(a) Disclose, under the caption AUDIT FEES, the aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrants annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.
The audit fees for the Trust were $87,149 payable to Ernst & Young LLP for the year ended October 31, 2023 and $40,528 for the year ended October 31, 2022.
(b) Disclose, under the caption AUDIT-RELATED FEES, the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrants financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item. Registrants shall describe the nature of the services comprising the fees disclosed under this category.
The audit-related services fees for the Trust were $781 payable to Ernst & Young LLP for the year ended October 31, 2023 and $310 for the year ended October 31, 2022.
(c) Disclose, under the caption TAX FEES, the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. Registrants shall describe the nature of the services comprising the fees disclosed under this category.
The Trust paid aggregate non-audit fees to Ernst & Young LLP for tax services of $30,557 and $14,959 during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(d) Disclose, under the caption ALL OTHER FEES, the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item. Registrants shall describe the nature of the services comprising the fees disclosed under this category.
There were no other fees in 2023 or 2022.
(e) (1) Disclose the audit committees pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
PIONEER FUNDS
APPROVAL OF AUDIT, AUDIT-RELATED, TAX AND OTHER SERVICES
PROVIDED BY THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
SECTION I - POLICY PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
The Pioneer Funds recognize the importance of maintaining the independence of their outside auditors. Maintaining independence is a shared responsibility involving Amundi Asset Management US, Inc., the audit committee and the independent auditors.
The Funds recognize that a Funds independent auditors: 1) possess knowledge of the Funds, 2) are able to incorporate certain services into the scope of the audit, thereby avoiding redundant work, cost and disruption of Fund personnel and processes, and 3) have expertise that has value to the Funds. As a result, there are situations where it is desirable to use the Funds independent auditors for services in addition to the annual audit and where the potential for conflicts of interests are minimal. Consequently, this policy, which is intended to comply with Rule 210.2-01(C)(7), sets forth guidelines and procedures to be followed by the Funds when retaining the independent audit firm to perform audit, audit-related tax and other services under those circumstances, while also maintaining independence.
Approval of a service in accordance with this policy for a Fund shall also constitute approval for any other Fund whose pre-approval is required pursuant to Rule 210.2-01(c)(7)(ii).
In addition to the procedures set forth in this policy, any non-audit services that may be provided consistently with Rule 210.2-01 may be approved by the Audit Committee itself and any pre-approval that may be waived in accordance with Rule 210.2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) is hereby waived.
Selection of a Funds independent auditors and their compensation shall be determined by the Audit Committee and shall not be subject to this policy.
SECTION II - POLICY
| ||||
SERVICE CATEGORY |
SERVICE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION |
SPECIFIC PRE-APPROVED SERVICE SUBCATEGORIES | ||
I. AUDIT SERVICES | Services that are directly related to performing the independent audit of the Funds | Accounting research assistance
SEC consultation, registration statements, and reporting
Tax accrual related matters
Implementation of new accounting standards
Compliance letters (e.g. rating agency letters)
Regulatory reviews and assistance regarding financial matters
Semi-annual reviews (if requested)
Comfort letters for closed end offerings | ||
II. AUDIT-RELATED SERVICES | Services which are not prohibited under Rule 210.2-01(C)(4) (the Rule) and are related extensions of the audit services support the audit, or use the knowledge/expertise gained from the audit procedures as a foundation to complete the project. In most cases, if the Audit-Related Services are not performed by the Audit firm, the scope of the Audit Services would likely increase. The Services are typically well-defined and governed by accounting professional standards (AICPA, SEC, etc.) | AICPA attest and agreed-upon procedures
Technology control assessments
Financial reporting control assessments
Enterprise security architecture assessment |
AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORTING POLICY | |
One-time pre-approval for the audit period for all pre-approved specific service subcategories. Approval of the independent auditors as auditors for a Fund shall constitute pre approval for these services.
One-time pre-approval for the fund fiscal year within a specified dollar limit for all pre-approved specific service subcategories |
A summary of all such services and related fees reported at each regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting.
A summary of all such services and related fees (including comparison to specified dollar limits) reported quarterly. | |
Specific approval is needed to exceed the pre-approved dollar limit for these services (see general Audit Committee approval policy below for details on obtaining specific approvals)
Specific approval is needed to use the Funds auditors for Audit-Related Services not denoted as pre-approved, or to add a specific service subcategory as pre-approved |
SECTION III - POLICY DETAIL, CONTINUED
SERVICE CATEGORY |
SERVICE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION |
SPECIFIC PRE-APPROVED SERVICE SUBCATEGORIES | ||
III. TAX SERVICES | Services which are not prohibited by the Rule, if an officer of the Fund determines that using the Funds auditor to provide these services creates significant synergy in the form of efficiency, minimized disruption, or the ability to maintain a desired level of confidentiality. | Tax planning and support
Tax controversy assistance
Tax compliance, tax returns, excise tax returns and support
Tax opinions |
AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORTING POLICY | |
One-time pre-approval for the fund fiscal year within a specified dollar limit
Specific approval is needed to exceed the pre-approved dollar limits for these services (see general Audit Committee approval policy below for details on obtaining specific approvals)
Specific approval is needed to use the Funds auditors for tax services not denoted as pre-approved, or to add a specific service subcategory as pre-approved |
A summary of all such services and related fees (including comparison to specified dollar limits) reported quarterly. |
SECTION III - POLICY DETAIL, CONTINUED
SERVICE CATEGORY |
SERVICE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION |
SPECIFIC PRE-APPROVED SERVICE SUBCATEGORIES | ||
IV. OTHER SERVICES
A. SYNERGISTIC, UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS |
Services which are not prohibited by the Rule, if an officer of the Fund determines that using the Funds auditor to provide these services creates significant synergy in the form of efficiency, minimized disruption, the ability to maintain a desired level of confidentiality, or where the Funds auditors posses unique or superior qualifications to provide these services, resulting in superior value and results for the Fund. | Business Risk Management support
Other control and regulatory compliance projects |
AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORTING POLICY | |
One-time pre-approval for the fund fiscal year within a specified dollar limit
Specific approval is needed to exceed the pre-approved dollar limits for these services (see general Audit Committee approval policy below for details on obtaining specific approvals)
Specific approval is needed to use the Funds auditors for Synergistic or Unique Qualifications Other Services not denoted as pre-approved to the left, or to add a specific service subcategory as pre-approved |
A summary of all such services and related fees (including comparison to specified dollar limits) reported quarterly. |
SECTION III - POLICY DETAIL, CONTINUED
SERVICE CATEGORY |
SERVICE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION |
SPECIFIC PROHIBITED SERVICE SUBCATEGORIES | ||
PROHIBITED SERVICES | Services which result in the auditors losing independence status under the Rule. | 1. Bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the audit client*
2. Financial information systems design and implementation*
3. Appraisal or valuation services, fairness* opinions, or contribution-in-kind reports
4. Actuarial services (i.e., setting actuarial reserves versus actuarial audit work)*
5. Internal audit outsourcing services*
6. Management functions or human resources
7. Broker or dealer, investment advisor, or investment banking services
8. Legal services and expert services unrelated to the audit
9. Any other service that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines, by regulation, is impermissible |
AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORTING POLICY | |
These services are not to be performed with the exception of the(*) services that may be permitted if they would not be subject to audit procedures at the audit client (as defined in rule 2-01(f)(4)) level the firm providing the service. |
A summary of all services and related fees reported at each regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting will serve as continual confirmation that has not provided any restricted services. |
GENERAL AUDIT COMMITTEE APPROVAL POLICY:
| For all projects, the officers of the Funds and the Funds auditors will each make an assessment to determine that any proposed projects will not impair independence. |
| Potential services will be classified into the four non-restricted service categories and the Approval of Audit, Audit-Related, Tax and Other Services Policy above will be applied. Any services outside the specific pre-approved service subcategories set forth above must be specifically approved by the Audit Committee. |
| At least quarterly, the Audit Committee shall review a report summarizing the services by service category, including fees, provided by the Audit firm as set forth in the above policy. |
(2) Disclose the percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
Non-Audit Services
Beginning with non-audit service contracts entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the effective date of the new SEC pre-approval rules, the Trusts audit committee is required to pre-approve services to affiliates defined by SEC rules to the extent that the services are determined to have a direct impact on the operations or financial reporting of the Trust. For the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no services provided to an affiliate that required the Trusts audit committee pre-approval.
(f) If greater than 50 percent, disclose the percentage of hours expended on the principal accountants engagement to audit the registrants financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountants full-time, permanent employees.
N/A
(g) Disclose the aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrants accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrants investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant.
The Trust paid aggregate non-audit fees to Ernst & Young LLP for tax services of $30,557 and $14,959 during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(h) Disclose whether the registrants audit committee of the Board of Trustees has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrants investment adviser (not including any subadviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountants independence.
The Funds audit committee of the Board of Trustees has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the Affiliates (as defined) that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountants independence.
(i) A registrant identified by the Commission pursuant to Section 104(i)(2)(A) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. 7214(i)(2)(A)), as having retained, for the preparation of the audit report on its financial statements included in the Form NCSR, a registered public accounting firm that has a branch or office that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction must electronically submit to the Commission on a supplemental basis documentation that establishes that the registrant is not owned or controlled by a governmental entity in the foreign jurisdiction. The registrant must submit this documentation on or before the due date for this form. A registrant that is owned or controlled by a foreign governmental entity is not required to submit such documentation.
N/A
(j) A registrant that is a foreign issuer, as defined in 17 CFR 240.3b-4, identified by the Commission pursuant to Section 104(i)(2)(A) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. 7214(i)(2)(A)), as having retained, for the preparation of the audit report on its financial statements included in the Form N-CSR, a registered public accounting firm that has a branch or office that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction, for each year in which the registrant is so identified, must provide the below disclosures. Also, any such identified foreign issuer that uses a variable-interest entity or any similar structure that results in additional foreign entities being consolidated in the financial statements of the registrant is required to provide the below disclosures for itself and its consolidated foreign operating entity or entities. A registrant must disclose:
(1) That, for the immediately preceding annual financial statement period, a registered public accounting firm that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely, because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction, issued an audit report for the registrant;
N/A
(2) The percentage of shares of the registrant owned by governmental entities in the foreign jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated or otherwise organized;
N/A
(3) Whether governmental entities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction with respect to that registered public accounting firm have a controlling financial interest with respect to the registrant; N/A
(4) The name of each official of the Chinese Communist Party who is a member of the board of directors of the registrant or the operating entity with respect to the registrant;
N/A
(5) Whether the articles of incorporation of the registrant (or equivalent organizing document) contains any charter of the Chinese Communist Party, including the text of any such charter.
N/A
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS
(a) If the registrant is a listed issuer as defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10A-3), state whether or not the registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(A)). If the registrant has such a committee, however designated, identify each committee member. If the entire board of directors is acting as the registrants audit committee as specified in Section 3(a)(58)(B) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(B)), so state.
N/A
(b) If applicable, provide the disclosure required by Rule 10A-3(d) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10A-3(d)) regarding an exemption from the listing standards for audit committees.
N/A
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.
File Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period as set forth in 210.1212 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.12-12], unless the schedule is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
Included in Item 1
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
A closed-end management investment company that is filing an annual report on this Form N-CSR must, unless it invests exclusively in non-voting securities, describe the policies and procedures that it uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, including the procedures that the company uses when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of its shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the companys investment adviser; principal underwriter; or any affiliated person (as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a)(3)) and the rules thereunder) of the company, its investment adviser, or its principal underwriter, on the other. Include any policies and procedures of the companys investment adviser, or any other third party, that the company uses, or that are used on the companys behalf, to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities.
Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
(a) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company that is filing an annual report on this Form N-CSR, provide the following information:
(1) State the name, title, and length of service of the person or persons employed by or associated with the registrant or an investment adviser of the registrant who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the registrants portfolio (Portfolio Manager). Also state each Portfolio Managers business experience during the past 5 years.
Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
(a) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company, in the following tabular format, provide the information specified in paragraph (b) of this Item with respect to any purchase made by or on behalf of the registrant or any affiliated purchaser, as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10b-18(a)(3)), of shares or other units of any class of the registrants equity securities that is registered by the registrant pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 781).
Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
Describe any material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrants board of directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-R(17 CFR 229.407)(as required by Item 22(b)(15)) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101), or this Item.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrants board of directors since the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-R of Schedule 14(A) in its definitive proxy statement, or this item.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) Disclose the conclusions of the registrants principal executive and principal financials officers, or persons performing similar functions, regarding the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30(a)-3(b) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).
The registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrants disclosure controls and procedures are effective based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.
(b) Disclose any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
There were no significant changes in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
(a) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company, provide the following dollar amounts of income and compensation related to the securities lending activities of the registrant during its most recent fiscal year:
N/A
(1) Gross income from securities lending activities;
N/A
(2) All fees and/or compensation for each of the following securities lending activities and related services: any share of revenue generated by the securities lending program paid to the securities lending agent(s) (revenue split); fees paid for cash collateral management services (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split; administrative fees that are not included in the revenue split; fees for indemnification that are not included in the revenue split; rebates paid to borrowers; and any other fees relating to the securities lending program that are not included in the revenue split, including a description of those other fees;
N/A
(3) The aggregate fees/compensation disclosed pursuant to paragraph (2); and
N/A
(4) Net income from securities lending activities (i.e., the dollar amount in paragraph (1) minus the dollar amount in paragraph (3)).
If a fee for a service is included in the revenue split, state that the fee is included in the revenue split.
N/A
(b) If the registrant is a closed-end management investment company, describe the services provided to the registrant by the securities lending agent in the registrants most recent fiscal year.
N/A
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS.
(a) File the exhibits listed below as part of this Form. Letter or number the exhibits in the sequence indicated.
SIGNATURES
[See General Instruction F]
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) Pioneer Series Trust VII |
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Lisa M. Jones |
Lisa M. Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Date January 3, 2024 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Lisa M. Jones |
Lisa M. Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Date January 3, 2024 |
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Anthony J. Koenig, Jr. |
Anthony J. Koenig, Jr., Managing Director, Chief Operations Officer & Treasurer of the Funds |
Date January 3, 2024 |
* | Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature. |
CODE OF ETHICS
FOR
SENIOR OFFICERS
POLICY
This Code of Ethics for Senior Officers (this Code) sets forth the policies, practices and values expected to be exhibited by Senior Officers of the Pioneer Funds (collectively, the Funds and each, a Fund). This Code does not apply generally to officers and employees of service providers to the Funds, including Amundi Asset Management US, Inc., and Amundi Distributor US, Inc. (collectively, Amundi US), unless such officers and employees are also Senior Officers.
The term Senior Officers shall mean the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller of the Funds, although one person may occupy more than one such office. Each Senior Officer is identified by title in Exhibit A to this Code.
The Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) of the Pioneer Funds is primarily responsible for implementing and monitoring compliance with this Code, subject to the overall supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Funds (the Board). The CCO has the authority to interpret this Code and its applicability to particular situations. Any questions about this Code should be directed to the CCO or his or her designee.
PURPOSE
The purposes of this Code are to:
| Promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
| Promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Fund files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and in other public communications made by the Fund; |
1 | Last revised January 2021 |
| Promote compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations; |
| Promote the prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and |
| Establish accountability for adherence to the Code. |
Each Senior Officer should adhere to a high standard of business ethics and should be sensitive to situations that may give rise to actual as well as apparent conflicts of interest.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF SENIOR OFFICERS
Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest occurs when a Senior Officers private interests interfere in any way or even appear to interfere with the interests of or his/her service to a Fund. A conflict can arise when a Senior Officer takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her Fund work objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest also arise when a Senior Officer or a member of his/her family receives improper personal benefits as a result of the Senior Officers position with the Fund.
Certain conflicts of interest arise out of the relationships between Senior Officers and the Fund and already are subject to conflict of interest provisions in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the ICA), and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the IAA). For example, Senior Officers may not individually engage in certain transactions (such as the purchase or sale of securities or other property) with the Funds because of their status as affiliated persons of the Funds. The Funds and Amundi US compliance programs and procedures are designed to prevent, or identify and correct, violations of these provisions. This Code does not, and is not intended to, repeat or replace such policies and procedures, and such conflicts fall outside of the parameters of this Code.
Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal benefit, conflicts arise as a result of the contractual relationship between the Fund and Amundi US because the Senior Officers are officers or employees of both. As a result, this Code recognizes that Senior Officers will, in the normal course of their duties (whether formally for a Fund or for Amundi US, or for both), be involved in establishing policies and implementing decisions that will have different effects on Amundi US and the Fund. The participation of Senior Officers in such activities is inherent in the contractual relationship between a Fund and Amundi US and is consistent with the performance by the Senior Officers of their duties as officers of the Fund and, if addressed in conformity with the provisions of the ICA and the IAA, will be deemed to have been handled ethically. In addition, it is recognized by the Board that Senior Officers may also be officers of investment companies other than the Pioneer Funds.
Other conflicts of interest are covered by this Code, even if such conflicts of interest are not subject to provisions of the ICA or the IAA. In reading the following examples of conflicts of interest under this Code, Senior Officers should keep in mind that such a list cannot ever be exhaustive or cover every possible scenario. It follows that the overarching principle is that the personal interest of a Senior Officer should not be placed improperly before the interest of a Fund.
2 | Last revised January 2021 |
Each Senior Officer must:
| Not use his or her personal influence or personal relationships improperly to influence investment decisions or financial reporting by a Fund whereby the Senior Officer would benefit personally to the detriment of the Fund; |
| Not cause a Fund to take action, or fail to take action, for the individual personal benefit of the Senior Officer rather than the benefit of the Fund; and |
| Report at least annually any affiliations or other relationships that give rise to conflicts of interest. |
Any material conflict of interest situation should be approved by the CCO, his or her designee or the Board. Examples of these include:
| Service as a director on the board of any public or private company; |
| The receipt of any gift with a value in excess of an amount established from time to time by Amundi US Business Gift and Entertainment Policy from any single non-relative person or entity. Customary business lunches, dinners and entertainment at which both the Senior Officer and the giver are present, and promotional items of insignificant value are exempt from this prohibition; |
| The receipt of any entertainment from any company with which a Fund has current or prospective business dealings unless such entertainment is business-related, reasonable in cost, appropriate as to time and place, and not so frequent as to raise any question of impropriety; |
| Any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment relationship with, any of a Funds service providers other than its investment adviser, principal underwriter, administrator or any affiliated person thereof; and |
| A direct or indirect financial interest in commissions, transaction charges or spreads paid by a Fund for effecting portfolio transactions or for selling or redeeming shares other than an interest arising from the Senior Officers employment, such as compensation or equity ownership. |
Corporate Opportunities
Senior Officers may not (a) take for themselves personally opportunities that are discovered through the use of a Funds property, information or position; (b) use a Funds property, information, or position for personal gain; or (c) compete with a Fund. Senior Officers owe a duty to the Funds to advance their legitimate interests when the opportunity to do so arises.
3 | Last revised January 2021 |
Confidentiality
Senior Officers should maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by the Funds, except when disclosure is authorized or legally mandated. Confidential information includes all non-public information that might be of use to competitors, or harmful to the Funds, if disclosed.
Fair dealing with Fund shareholders, suppliers, and competitors
Senior Officers should endeavor to deal fairly with the Funds shareholders, suppliers, and competitors. Senior Officers should not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair-dealing practice. Senior Officers should not knowingly misrepresent or cause others to misrepresent facts about a Fund to others, whether within or outside the Fund, including to the Board, the Funds auditors or to governmental regulators and self-regulatory organizations.
Compliance with Law
Each Senior Officer must not knowingly violate any law, rule and regulation applicable to his or her activities as an officer of the Funds. In addition, Senior Officers are responsible for understanding and promoting compliance with the laws, rules and regulations applicable to his or her particular position and by persons under the Senior Officers supervision. Senior Officers should endeavor to comply not only with the letter of the law, but also with the spirit of the law.
Disclosure
Each Senior Officer should familiarize himself or herself with the disclosure requirements generally applicable to the Funds. Each Senior Officer should, to the extent appropriate within his or her area of responsibility, consult with other officers of the Funds and Amundi US with the goal of promoting full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the reports and documents a Fund files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Funds.
INITIAL AND ANNUAL CERTIFICATIONS
Upon becoming a Senior Officer the Senior Officer is required to certify that he or she has received, read, and understands this Code. On an annual basis, each Senior Officer must certify that he or she has complied with all of the applicable requirements of this Code.
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE CODE
Report of Violations
Amundi US relies on each Senior Officer to report promptly if he or she knows of any conduct by a Senior Officer in violation of this Code. All violations or suspected violations of this Code must be reported to the CCO or a member of Amundi US Legal and Compliance Department. Failure to do so is itself a violation of this Code.
4 | Last revised January 2021 |
Investigation of Violations
Upon notification of a violation or suspected violation, the CCO or other members of Amundi US Compliance Department will take all appropriate action to investigate the potential violation reported. If, after such investigation, the CCO believes that no violation has occurred, the CCO and Compliance Department is not required to take no further action. Any matter the CCO believes is a violation will be reported to the Independent Trustees. If the Independent Trustees concur that a violation has occurred, they will inform and make a recommendation to the full Board. The Board shall be responsible for determining appropriate action. The Funds, their officers and employees, will not retaliate against any Senior Officer for reports of potential violations that are made in good faith and without malicious intent.
The CCO or his or her designee is responsible for applying this Code to specific situations in which questions are presented under it and has the authority to interpret this Code in any particular situation. The CCO or his or her designee shall make inquiries regarding any potential conflict of interest.
Violations and Sanctions
Compliance with this Code is expected and violations of its provisions will be taken seriously and could result in disciplinary action. In response to violations of the Code, the Board may impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate within the scope of its authority over Senior Officers, including termination as an officer of the Funds.
Waivers from the Code
The Independent Trustees will consider any approval or waiver sought by any Senior Officer.
The Independent Trustees will be responsible for granting waivers, as appropriate. Any change to or waiver of this Code will, to the extent required, be disclosed as provided by SEC rules.
OTHER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
This Code shall be the sole Code of Ethics adopted by the Funds for purposes of Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and forms applicable to registered investment companies thereunder. The Funds and Amundi US Codes of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the ICA and Rule 204A-1 of the IAA are separate requirements applying to the Senior Officers and others, and are not a part of this Code. To the extent any other policies and procedures of the Funds or Amundi US overlap or conflict with the provisions of the Code, they are superseded by this Code.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES
A Senior Officers responsibilities under this Code are limited to Fund matters over which the Senior Officer has direct responsibility or control, matters in which the Senior Officer routinely participates, and matters with which the Senior Officer is otherwise involved. In addition, a Senior Officer is responsible for matters of which the Senior Officer has actual knowledge.
5 | Last revised January 2021 |
AMENDMENTS
This Code other than Exhibit A may not be amended except in a writing that is specifically approved or ratified by a majority vote of the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All reports and records prepared or maintained pursuant to this Code will be considered confidential and shall be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law or this Code, such matters shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the Board and their counsel, or to Amundi US Legal and Compliance Department.
INTERNAL USE
This Code is intended solely for the internal use by the Funds and does not constitute an admission, by or on behalf of any Fund, as to any fact, circumstance, or legal conclusion.
6 | Last revised January 2021 |
EXHIBIT A SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE PIONEER FUNDS (EFFECTIVE AS OF AUGUST 14, 2008)
President (Principal Executive Officer)
Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)
Code of Ethics for Senior Officers
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 30a-2(a)
UNDER THE 1940 ACT AND SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Lisa M. Jones, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Pioneer Series Trust VII; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: |
a. | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b. | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c. | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and |
d. | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a. | All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and |
b. | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: January 3, 2024
/s/ Lisa M. Jones
Lisa M. Jones
President and Chief Executive Officer
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 30a-2(a)
UNDER THE 1940 ACT AND SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Anthony J. Koenig, Jr., certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Pioneer Series Trust VII; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: |
a. | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b. | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c. | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and |
d. | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a. | All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and |
b. | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: January 3, 2024
/s/ Anthony J. Koenig, Jr.
Anthony J. Koenig, Jr.
Managing Director, Chief Operations Officer & Treasurer of the Funds
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY
ACT OF 2002
I, Lisa M. Jones, certify that, to the best of my knowledge:
1. The Form N-CSR (the Report) of Pioneer Series Trust VII fully complies for the period covered by the Report with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15 (d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of the operations of the Trust.
Date: January 3, 2024
/s/ Lisa M. Jones
Lisa M. Jones
President and Chief Executive Officer
This certification is being furnished pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
A signed original of this written statement required by section 906 has been provided to the Trust and will be retained by the Trust and furnished to the Securities Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY
ACT OF 2002
I, Anthony J. Koenig, Jr., certify that, to the best of my knowledge:
1. The Form N-CSR (the Report) of Pioneer Series Trust VII fully complies for the period covered by the Report with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15 (d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of the operations of the Trust.
Date: January 3, 2024
/s/ Anthony J. Koenig, Jr.
Anthony J. Koenig, Jr.
Managing Director, Chief Operations Officer & Treasurer of the Funds
This certification is being furnished pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
A signed original of this written statement required by section 906 has been provided to the Trust and will be retained by the Trust and furnished to the Securities Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
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